The Denver Nuggets are in a bit of limbo this year as Jamal Murray rehabs from a torn ACL. Prior to his injury last season this was a title contender, but now they have to bide their time and wait for Murray to return. That could mean time to let some of the young players on this roster breathe and get a shot to prove themselves.
Bol Bol is one of the more exciting players in that mold, but his tantalizing upside hasn’t realized itself yet. Bones Hyland was Denver’s first-round pick this past summer and looked really fun in Summer League. He has only looked more fun in the preseason, including racking up 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists (with 6 3-pointers) in Denver’s preseason game Friday night. With Murray out, hopefully, we get to see plenty of “Bones” this season.
Breakout Player: Michael Porter Jr. The Denver Nuggets just agreed to a maximum contract extension with Porter this offseason, as he has firmly established himself as a part of this team’s core. This year will be about proving he is part of their star power. He averaged 19 points per game last season, and with Murray out, he could and should increase that into the low-to-mid-20s. He is a career 43.9 percent 3-point shooter, and the sky is the limit for who he can become as an offensive player. The defense will hopefully come along behind it, but even if it doesn’t he is a special player ready for more.