Nuggets Insider: Should Denver pursue Anthony Davis this summer?

In case you missed it, then Anthony Davis threw a Molotov cocktail to All-Star weekend a few days before, announcing that “all of 29 teams” are on his list of prospective commerce destinations.

Apparently, it’s all about winning for your Brow… for today.

If such is the situation, the Western Conference’s No. 2 group seems like a nice fit for a few of those match ’s premier post players — that, incidentally, is well suited to play along with fellow All-Star Nikola Jokic.

The question: Should the Nuggets even need him?

This ’s more tricky than one might think. On its face, the answer is a resounding yes. But when you get into the weeds, well, things become complex.

To start with, Davis will have only 1 year left on his contract when the commerce market opens back up in June. When the Nugs don’t have assurances Davis will signal a long-term deal to stay in the Mile High City, then end of dialogue.

Second, even when the Nuggets were convinced that they could convince Davis to stay, would they be comfortable giving away the group of assets required to make this happen? To put an even finer point on it: Does Denver really need to trade newcomer Michael Porter Jr. — no doubt that a must-have for New Orleans in any Davis deal — before they even understand what they need in him?

In case you should inquire Nuggets beat writer Mike Singer, the answer will be “a tough no. ”

But should you’re asking yours well, allow ’s talk this thing outthere.

At the moment, Porter is a comprehensive mystery — the Mirror of Erised personified. He is a Ferrari. He is a Pinto that breaks down over and over again. We have no thought.

What we do understand is that his blend of ability and size — once is equally sexy enough to pique the Pelicans’ interest. In addition, we understand he has played only three games that are real because graduating high school and ’ s had back surgeries prior to his 21st birthday.

In addition, the likelihood that he’s anything coming Davis — a generational talent who could win several MVPs — is minimum. Which makes him imminently movable at a Brow trade.

But given the godfather offer the Pelicans already turned down from the Lakers, it’s clear the Nuggets are going to need to provide a good deal greater than Porter Jr., as well as several throw-in contracts to make the money work.

That means at least 2 of some combination of Jamal Murray, Monte Morris, Malik Beasley and Gary Harris, as well as multiple picks, another salary along with a willingness to carry on Solomon Hill’s albatross contract.

This ’s a whole lot to ask with Murray, Beasley and Morris under some form of inexpensive team control for the following two seasons, and they each looking to a rival like contributors.

However, man, Jokic and Davis sharing the same aspect of the court, making sweet basketball appreciate 50-plus nights per year at the Pepsi Center … that’s a dream that t expire easy.

Should the Nuggets take action?

I say that they have a meeting about it.

Matt Schubert, The Denver Post

NEW 💥 If you like The Denver Post’s sports coverage, we have a new subscription deal for you!  Try the first month for only 99¢

What’s online tap?

Friday: At Dallas Mavericks, 6:30 p.m., ALT; 92.5 FM
Sunday: Los Angeles Clippers, 3 rebounds, ALT; 92.5 FM

TV/RADIO: Here’s what sport are broadcasting now

Must-Read
Denver Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas celebrates a 3-point shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Denver.Jack Dempsey, The Associated PressDenver Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas celebrates a 3-point shot against the Sacramento Kings during the next half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, at Denver.
Isaiah Thomas dishes onto his hip, his rhythm, and “awesome ” Nuggets lovers

After building his Nuggets debut in the group ’s final match before the All-Star fracture, Isaiah Thomas made a decision to produce the mini-vacation a functioning one, Sean Keeler writes.

Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets ...AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMichael Malone of this Denver Nuggets stands on the sidelines through introductions before the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018.
Why Nuggets coach Michael Malone “wouldn’down from anybody”

Before he became pals with LeBron James and Isaiah Thomas, Denver’s NBA All-Star coach turned into a baller in his own right, Sean Keeler writes.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) ...Andy Cross, The Denver PostDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) includes this court victorious following the match against the Chicago Bulls at the Pepsi Center Jan. 17, 2019.
How the Nuggets discovered Nikola Jokic and turned Denver to the NBA’s fastest-growing market

The Nuggets are the most popular sports ticket in the city, along with the origin of the group ’s revival can be traced to April 2014, when Denver monitored Nikola Jokic, a 7-foot center from Serbia, at the Nike Hoops Summit in Portland, Ore., Mike Singer writes.

Quick Hits

+ Nuggets Mailbag: Should Will Barton be the odd man out in Denver’s minutes crunch?

🔊 Nuggets Ink podcast: Breaking the team down at the All-Star break.

+ Nuggets NBA Finals chances: How Denver appears at the halfway point.

+ Mark Kiszla wonders : Does Isaiah Thomas have what is necessary to give Nuggets lift down stretch of NBA season?

+ The accession of IT to an already piled Nuggets roster: “A great problem to have.

+ More on IT: Even before suiting up for a single match, Thomas — Joe Pesci with a jump shot helped push Nuggets to NBA stratosphere.

+ If you find coaching in Nikola Jokic’s potential, you must not be Nikola Jokic.

+ Michael Malone, Nuggets used All-Star weekend for “people to get to know us.

+ Malone’s All-Star game record: 1-0, thank you very much.

+ Not just a shocker here: Nuggets announce contract extensions for Tim Connelly and GM Arturas Karnisovas.

+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the group?  Ask Mike Singer here.

By The Numbers

28

The number of triple-doubles logged by Nikola Jokic at a little less than four seasons in the NBA — tying him with Michael Jordan… because of his livelihood. This ’s only a part of what causes this “large, goofy child ” so precious for the Nuggets, Mike Singer writes.

Parting Shot
Getty Images fileThe Round Mound of Rebound enjoys what he sees at Denver.
Charles Barkley heaps praise on Nuggets, laments state of this NBA

Consider Charles Barkley old school. At a sprawling, provocative, sometimes hilarious dialog, TNT’s Inside the NBA superstar praised exactly what the Denver Nuggets have assembled in the age of superteams, Mike Singer writes.

Get in Touch

Should you see something which ’s cause for question or have an opinion, thought or suggestion, email me at [email protected] or tweet me @MattDSchubert.


Buy Tickets for every event – Sports, Concerts, Festivals and more buytickets.com