Denver Nuggets starting lineup: Locks, fringe, and potential break-ins

Locks for the starting lineup

Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Gary Harris

Every year the NBA tends to undervalue Nikola Jokic, and every year he somehow blows those expectations out of the water. He was a second-round pick, has battled his weight and is accused of being a sieve on defense. At the same time, he has posted historic numbers and played in 33 postseason games the past two years, second only to Kawhi Leonard among All-NBA players.

Jokic will run the offense, but Jamal Murray will provide its incendiary spark. The former Kentucky guard played well in the 2019 postseason, but his breakout party was in 2020. Murray poured in 26.5 points per game over 19 games, even cracking 50 points twice. He has also improved as a defender, removing the complete terror of Murray and Jokic defending a pick-and-roll together.

The question for the Nuggets is who to slot in the three positions between their star point guard and center. While some of that decision is still up in the air, the one player guaranteed to get the nod is Gary Harris. The two-way wing started in the backcourt in 55 of 56 games last season. With Denver letting Torrey Craig walk, his wing defense is crucial for this team.

Harris has struggled with his offensive game over the past few seasons as his development has stalled. He is an excellent off-ball player with his movement and cutting, and he has developed incredible chemistry with Jokic. Yet when the ball is in his hands he has struggled to score, and his 3-point shooting has waxed and waned precipitously. If he cannot be a reliable spot-up shooter head coach Mike Malone may need to consider finding another option, but for now, this roster construction demands that Harris starts.