to prepare for next season. This series of articles will cover what the best steps the Denver Nuggets can take during the summer of 2024 in pursuit of title in 2025. In honor of baby steps, we’re starting small, talking about US as Nuggets fans.
1. RELAX
The Nuggets have made deep playoff runs year in and year out. With that, comes a lot of stress. It means staying up late when you’re in another time zone. It means getting to the bar seven hours before the game to grab a table. It means booking flights on the off chance that your favorite team goes all the way.
Take a deep breath a step back from the game. The players need it. The coaches need it. You and I need it too! Reconnect with what is most important in your life, which includes more than basketball. Call your family. Visit if you’re able. Take a vacation. Get back in to that hobby you put down. Whatever it is you need to show up for training camp fresh on a physical, mental and emotional level will leave you that much stronger when it matters.
2. Step Away From the Trade Machine
This one is self-evident. The Denver Nuggets are not a contender without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Lose one, and the formula is broken.
The Jokic-Murray two-man game is not possible without Jamal Murray and it does not dominate without the spacing Michael Porter provides. The collective length and physicality that Denver can play with is not possible without being able to play with a 6’10” small forward that can’t be left unattended.
Jokic needs relief valves when he draws in as much attention as he does and neither Jamal nor Mike are capable of being everything that he needs in one on their own. Step away from the trade machine, as you can only harm your own reputation with your finger on the imaginary trigger.
3. Trust in Calvin Booth
It’s fun to consider all the possibilities in an NBA offseason: draft and free agency prospects, trade possibilities, internal growth. I’m doing that right now in this series of articles, but ultimately the team is in Calvin Booth’s hands, and he’s proven himself capable of evaluating talent more than you or I ever will. Believe in him. Be realistic, but optimistic about what can come for the Denver Nuggets in the 2024-2025 season.