Breaking News: Denver Nuggets Seeking to Elevate Perimeter Shooting, Open to Bringing in a Three-Point Specialist.
While most NBA teams will hold their Media Day tomorrow, the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics have already completed a few practices. Both teams are set to fly to Abu Dhabi for the 2024 NBA Abu Dhabi Games, where they’ll play two exhibition matches over the weekend.
The Nuggets will depart Denver for the 17-hour flight on Monday and face the Celtics on Friday and Sunday.
Nuggets player Christian Braun commented on the trip, saying, “I’ve never done it, so I’m going to try to learn, try to listen to people that have done it. I can’t say that I’m excited about the flight, but I am excited about being there and getting to play.”
Denver Nuggets Seek to Improve 3-Point Shooting, Consider Adding a Specialist
Despite already completing three days of practice, the Nuggets have some decisions to make. They didn’t make many offseason moves but lost two key players, including starter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Denver did add DaRon Holmes through a draft-night trade and signed Dario Saric and Russell Westbrook. They also have Vlatko Cancar returning from a season-long injury.
With 11 returning players and four starters from a 57-win team, the Nuggets are in good shape. However, after finishing second in the Western Conference last season, they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.
While their 15-man roster and nine-man rotation seem set, coach Michael Malone needs to determine the fifth starter and refine the second unit. The team is also focused on improving offensive versatility, drawing more fouls, and forcing turnovers.
Malone expressed excitement about the upcoming trip, saying, “It’s a great opportunity for our team to bond and enjoy a new experience. We’re excited to play in front of some great NBA fans and to learn about a new culture.”
Who Will Be the Fifth Starter?
Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, and Jamal Murray, coming off a career-best season, will lead the Nuggets once again. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are also key players, but the team is still deciding on the fifth starter.
Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther are the top candidates. Braun, who has started 10 NBA games, is known for his shooting and playoff experience. Watson, an athletic defender, has started six games in his career but is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Strawther, another shooter, saw limited action last season but has potential.
Malone said that Watson’s priority is to recover for the regular season rather than push to play in preseason games.
3-Point Shooting a Concern for Denver
The Nuggets are focused on improving their 3-point shooting. Last season, they ranked 10th in 3-point percentage but were 25th in makes and last in attempts. With the offseason losses of Caldwell-Pope and Jackson, both key 3-point shooters, the team may seek additional help.
General manager Calvin Booth acknowledged the issue, saying, “We’re riding a fine line with our shooting. If we need to address it at the trade deadline, we’ll do it.”
