Denver Nuggets: Lineups and identities for 2021-22 title run

The Denver Nuggets 2020-21 season featured the juxtaposition of its improbable, short-handed first-round dispatching of the Portland Trail Blazers…and a four-game collapse at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.

The former afforded the opportunity to bid Jusuf Nurkic a good summer. But the latter left a bad taste.

Because ultimately, despite an MVP season from Nikola Jokic and the defensively impactful acquisition of Aaron Gordon, this 2020-21 campaign was best defined by what wasn’t.

Second-scorer Jamal Murray (ACL tear) wasn’t in uniform for the postseason. A sidelined PJ Dozier (adductor injury) wasn’t available to continue his strong regular season efforts into the playoffs. The ever-hobbled Will Barton wasn’t able to redeem himself from recent injuries and poor luck.

And Denver wasn’t able to stay healthy and reward its front office for piecing together a championship-caliber roster. This year, anyway.

The Denver Nuggets expect a healthy Jamal Murray, as well as Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon to compete for the 2021-22 title.

Despite the somber ending, the Nuggets have a strong core in place to make a title run next season. Let’s explore starting lineup options and potential identities for the Nuggets when chasing the 2021-22 championship:

The early plot-twist – defensive focus group:

Monte Morris, Jamal Murray, PJ Dozier, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic

Wait, what? Where’s Michael Porter Jr.? Please note this isn’t a plug for this lineup, rather a possible action defensive-minded coach Mike Malone may employ if forced to.

MPJ was Denver’s worst stopper by a mile in the playoffs, and his feet-in-concrete defense allowed Chris Paul to torch the Nuggets by targeting the switch time and time again.

In his gut, Malone trusts defensive toughness, and may ultimately surround Jokic and Murray with steady stoppers. Gordon’s acquisition, along with Dozier’s and Morris’ development may allow for this identity without a crippling offensive sacrifice.

Watch Porter’s defense early next season, because another showing like the Phoenix series may put MPJ outside the starting lineup. It’s not ideal or probable, but the semifinals were concerning enough to elicit these questions.

What would become of Porter if this scenario occurred? The likeliest role involves him as an offensive spark for what’s been a bucket-challenged Nuggets bench.

Lou Williams averaged 22.6 points per game off the pine a few years back, and a similar path is possible for Porter should this scenario occur. Let’s hope it doesn’t though, as the Denver Nuggets need him starting.

The run it back squad:

Jamal Murray, Will Barton, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic

What’s the single most significant factor in any era of NBA history? Healthy players versus unhealthy players.

Because regardless of any super-teams, free agent pulls or blockbuster trades, no squad can garner a player’s best performance when this player is in street clothes.

When the Nuggets acquired Aaron Gordon, the table appeared set for a legitimate title run. For the first time in years, the Nuggets were contenders, and not of the dark horse variety.

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Four injuries and two full layers of backcourt later, the Denver Nuggets were suddenly trotting Marcus Howard and Shaq Harrison onto the hardwood in the postseason.

Rewind before this apocalyptic reckoning of soft-tissue injuries, and the Nuggets were dominating, with Jokic, Murray and Porter lighting up the hoop and looking the part of a well-oiled big three. Gordon was plugging defensive leaks, and Barton’s versatility appeared a decent fit.

Big things were possible if only they’d stayed healthy.

The best-case/upgrade

Monte Morris, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic

This lineup replicates the previous scenario, save for one changing of the guard. Monte Morris averaged 10.2 points and 3.1 assists per contest while shooting 38.1 percent from 3-point range last season.

His 5-to-1 assist to turnover ratio finished second-best in the NBA and further shows why he’s the perfect fit to start.

Will Barton is a skilled offensive player. However, he has the tendency to go one-on-one in isolation, turn the ball over, and favor hero ball. These are not great traits in a fifth scorer, but more acceptable for a sixth man.

Meanwhile, Morris is a pass-first playmaker, who’s well-suited to handle the ball, spot up in the corner and drive to the hoop when needed.

Morris’s defense is also more consistent, which is important against opposing starters.