In an unexpected turn, the Denver Nuggets wrapped up last season with a collective feeling of unfulfilled potential, bowing out of the playoffs sooner than anticipated. Their exit in the second round was particularly disheartening given the high hopes pinned on them as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
A Disappointing Playoff Campaign
The Nuggets’ elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves left both fans and analysts scratching their heads. With a performance that seemed worlds apart from their previous championship-winning season, the team struggled to replicate their strong regular-season form once the playoffs commenced. This struggle was exemplified in a grueling series against a resilient Los Angeles Lakers squad.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a pivotal player for the Nuggets throughout the season, reflected on the energy expenditure leading up to and during the playoffs. "You know how, towards the playoffs, guys get their rest, but I feel like that's where we spent most of our energy at times, trying to get that first place [spot in the West]. Playing catch-up. And then, we get to the playoffs, we have no gas," Pope remarked. "We felt like the Lakers should’ve beat us. We was down every game—at least 10 to, like, 20-something. Taking that energy and using it there. It was a lot that went into that season, no doubt."
Lack of Adjustments and Key Departures
Analysts attributed the Nuggets' downfall to several factors, one of which was the lack of timely adjustments and execution in critical moments. "The nails in the Lakers' coffin were Darvin Ham's lack of adjustments and late-game execution -- which resulted in those blown leads -- as well as poor performances from anyone not named LeBron James or Anthony Davis," stated a prominent sports analyst.
Indeed, the Lakers duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis delivered stellar performances, with LeBron averaging 27.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He also reached playoff career-highs, dishing out 8.8 assists and managing 2.4 steals per game. Davis, on the other hand, matched LeBron’s scoring average while pulling down an impressive 15.6 rebounds per game, alongside 4.0 assists and 1.6 blocks.
The Nuggets faced additional hurdles with key injuries. Season-enders to Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent further hampered Denver's efforts, making it evident that their bench depth and ability to adapt to game-day challenges were insufficient for a deep playoff run.
Offseason Changes and Future Prospects
In the wake of their playoff exit, the offseason brought significant changes to the roster. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s move to the Orlando Magic, signing a three-year, $66 million deal, marked a major shift. Pope's departure signals a pivot for both the player and the Nuggets, necessitating a fresh evaluation of the team's dynamics and strategies moving forward.
As the Nuggets regroup, the focus will be on reassessing their previous strategies, particularly addressing the lack of adjustments and late-game execution that proved costly. This transitional period is also a time for recovering players, such as Vanderbilt and Vincent, to heal and prepare for the next season. There's a glimmer of hope as potential new signings are on the horizon, aiming to bolster the lineup and restore Denver's status as a championship contender.
While the last season concluded on a somber note, the Nuggets have the opportunity to learn from their missteps. The departure of Caldwell-Pope, coupled with the resilience of the core team, presents a fresh challenge to recalibrate and re-energize. If they can harness their past successes and address their shortcomings, the Denver Nuggets could once again rise to be a formidable force in the NBA.