Grading the 2019 NBA offseason for all 30 franchises

Denver Nuggets

On the heels of a sooner-than-expected appearance in the conference semis, the Denver Nuggets would’ve certainly loved to add some more talent to a 54-win team but weren’t under a dire need to do so.

With so many of their best players having so much room to grow, they could rest easy knowing their improvements would come from within the organization.

That sense of confidence didn’t keep the Nuggets out of the transaction game completely. With their only pick of the 2019 Draft — a late second-rounder — Denver managed to scoop up Bol Bol after he fell far below his expected range.

With a slender frame and an injury history, Bol presents some inherent uncertainties. Similar to the selection of Michael Porter Jr. in 2018, it was a risk the Nuggets were uniquely equipped to take on.

Having drafted extremely well through the years, Bol will not make or break Denver’s future as he may have on other teams. Whatever he brings to the table will the cherry on top of the sundae the front office has spent years crafting.

In picking up the final year of Paul Millsap‘s contract, the Nuggets return one of their most important pieces at both ends.

In an unexpected trade, they also managed to acquire Jerami Grant from the Oklahoma City Thunder, an athletic forward with an improved outside shot who should bolster an already deep bench.

The Nuggets also extended Jamal Murray with a five-year, $170 million deal to solidify a dynamic duo for the future along with Nikola Jokic. This team exceeded expectations last year.

With playoff experience in their back pocket and improved all-around play, the only direction for them to go is up.

Grade: B+