As debilitating as Sunday’s Game 7 loss might be, there’s little doubt that the Nuggets arrived ahead of schedule this season.
They went from one game out of the playoffs a year ago into the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and one win shy of the franchise’s first conference finals trip in a couple of years.
Now, using a big decision looming on Paul Millsap, and also a certain unknown quantity set for his much-anticipated Summer League reveal, the Nuggets find themselves entering a critical offseason.
If the Nuggets drop their $30 million team option on Millsap — and allow ’s face it, they be mad not to think about it — the franchise is going to be a participant in the free-agent and trade markets this summer.
They’ve resources galore, a competent front office in a desirable city and a budding superstar who shares the ball more than any player in his class. That’s a lot to market, and there s lots of potential targets.
Mark Kiszla and Mike Singer already identified two of them in Tobias Harris and Bojan Bogdanovic. Here’s a more Denver should make a run at:
Khris Middleton, SF — If you enjoyed Torrey Craig’s lockdown defense, but weren’t particularly fond of his erratic shooting, I’ve got just the guy for you. At 6-foot-8, Middleton has the length to give competitions the ability to provide a third or second option as well as problems on the perimeter. It’s difficult to envision him wanting to leave Giannis Antetokounmpo’s side, but given Milwaukee’s bulging cap sheet, it’s possible the Bucks won’t be able to manage him.
Harrison Barnes, SF/PF — Much like Middleton, Barnes is silky smooth 6-foot-8 shooter with the ability to stretch defenses and create off the dribble. He can slot in as a four, giving coach Michael Malone the luxury of multiple looks. The one problem: Barnes has a $25 million player option with Sacramento. At 26 years old, it’s anyone ’s guess whether he ll decrease it and go looking for a long-term thing.
Nikola Mirotic, PF — This one might hurt a bit on the defensive end, but when the Nuggets were to convince Millsap to remain at a discount — say, two years, $30 million — Mirotic could fit in nicely as an interchangeable stretch four who spaces the ground for Denver’s guards and adds scoring punch to the next unit.
Bobby Portis, PF — Consider this another option if the Nuggets are able to lower the purchase price on Millsap. There might be some bad blood between Portis and Nikola Jokic’s brothers. But when the Nuggets are interested in adding four who can bang down low in a discount price to a tough-minded stretch, that’s all water under the bridge.
Anthony Davis, C/PF — This is the longest of shots for the Nuggets — out of free-agent-to-be Kevin Durant, of course — but surely one worth investigating given Davis’ unrivaled talents. Davis (in)famously put himself on the trading block earlier this year, and there’ll likely be lots of suitors lining up to make New Orleans an offer. The Boston Celtics have been considered the best bet to obtain the Brow’s services, but with Kyrie Irving’s future in doubt, there may be an opening. If Davis is ready to commit to some long-term deal to keep in the Mile High City, the Nuggets have to consider it. If not, there s lots of fish in the sea.
— Matt Schubert, The Denver Post
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Must-Read
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMichael Porter Jr. (1) of this Denver Nuggets meets with the media on Monday, May 13, 2019.
Cant; & rsquo wait for the NBA Summer League to tip off on July 5? Neither can Michael Porter Jr. — because the former Nuggets first-round pick said Monday he expects to join it as a healthy participant. Read …
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressDenver Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco participate in drills during an NFL football organized training activity session in the group ’s headquarters Monday, May 13, 2019, in Englewood, Colo..
Broncos QB Joe Flacco: Key for Drew Lock will be watching him
Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco met today s organized team action workout. It was the first Flacco accessibility since Drew Lock was drafted in the second round. Read …
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPaul Millsap (4) of this Denver Nuggets reacts to being called for a foul during the fourth quarter of the Portland Trail Blazers’ series-clinching 100-96 win on Sunday, May 12, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game seven of those groups round NBA playoff series at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
Nuggets’ veteran Paul Millsap talks future, free agency: “I will do it my way and still win”
The Nuggets hold a $30 million team option on the veteran. It’s significant transactional conclusion of the upcoming offseason. Despite his character that is offensive that is diminished, Millsap was instrumental in helping lead the Nuggets deep into the next round of the playoffs. Read …
Quick Hits
+ Lunch Special: How far away are the Nuggets from being an NBA championship contender?
+ Kiszla vs. Singer: Could the Nuggets get Tobias Harris or Bojan Bogdanovic in free agency?
+ Broncos’ Von Miller states Chris Harris “100 percent” warrants new contract.
+ Here’s some news which will make Nuggets fans cringe: Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins may miss Western Conference Finals.
+ The next coach to be fired by LeBron James: Frank Vogel.
+ Tonight we learn where Zion Williamson will ply his trade for at least a few seasons.
+ Just in case you forgot, the PGA Championship has been played this weekend — and right now it’s cold.
+ Michigan guys ’s basketball coach John Beilein is headed for the Mistake by the Lake to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers.
+ Things are now all great between Conor McGregor and the guy whose phone he allegedly smashed.
+ Robert Kraft’s visits to a Florida massage parlor won’t be open to public viewing.
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
By The Numbers
4.29
The Rockies’ bullpen ERA at the season’s first quarter pole, good for ninth in the National League. Read …
Parting Shot
Colorado Rapids ask fans to remove Antifa flag from game vs. Real Salt Lake
Soccer is a wonderful unifier — an opportunity for locals come together to cheer for their team and to set aside their various differences. However, Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, matters became complicated. Read …
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at [email protected] or tweet me @danielboniface.
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