The Denver Nuggets are perfectly happy clocking in with 52-54 wins and locking down a 3 or 4 seed in the Western Conference. Let that sink in. Their arrow isn’t shooting up like a juggernaut, nor is it plummeting for a financial reset. Nope, this team’s motion is basically straight across, flat as eastern Colorado. It’s an offseason that feels less like “run it back” and more like New Coke: basically the same thing, just with a slightly worse flavor.
Are We Stuck in the Mud, or Just Biding Time?
Your take on this Nuggets squad probably depends on how you felt about them last season. Honestly, there are two totally valid viewpoints here. One says the team is great, and they were only derailed by injuries. The other says they’ve been spiraling downwards since their title season, and did absolutely nothing to fix their financial and competitive mess. And you know what? Both sides have a point. I’m weirdly stuck right in the middle myself. Aaron Gordon’s injuries, specifically, absolutely derailed the Nuggets in that first round playoff loss to Tim Connelly’s very injured Minnesota Timberwolves. It wasn’t Peyton Watson. But also, this team hasn’t exactly inspired championship confidence since maybe the 2023-24 season. Without a real reset, things feel stuck in the mud.
DeRozan and the Question Marks
Nothing the Nuggets did in player acquisitions this offseason really moves the needle. Marvin Bagley? He’s a serviceable backup 5 and a spot 4. Tyus Jones? An adequate backup point guard. Alpha Diallo? A big question mark. And those drafted second-rounders, including Trevon Brazile? They probably won’t see much substantial playing time. Then there’s the big splash, or maybe a ripple: six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan. He agreed to sign with the Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million deal, according to ESPN sources. DeRozan is supposed to be a ballast for the bench, providing enough bucket-getting to prop up what’s been an offensively shaky second unit. But serious spacing and “fit” questions with Nikola Jokic are real. He’ll keep them afloat, sure. But “afloat” on the HMS 3 or 4 Seed.
Look, after they lost in the first round, my gut said blow the whole thing up and rebuild for 2028 around Jokic. But things are more nuanced in 2026, with all the Second Aprons and Repeater Taxes complicating everything. So, here we are. The Nuggets are entering the season ready to float. We’ll see if that’s enough to keep them from sinking once the regular season tips off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Denver Stiffs.
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