The Denver Nuggets hit a low point with a 122-113 loss to the Washington Wizards, despite Nikola Jokic delivering a career-high 56 points. Shockingly, the team fell to one of the NBA’s weakest squads. NBA analyst Harrison Wind suggested on the DNVR Nuggets’ post-game show that tension between head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth has caused a rift within the locker room, with players reportedly divided.
“This has been building for two seasons,” Wind explained. “The Malone-Booth conflict is real, and it’s spilling into the team. Players are now caught in this divide.”
The Nuggets’ struggles are becoming increasingly concerning since their 2023 NBA championship win. They exited the Western Conference playoffs early last season, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the departure of Bruce Brown in free agency was seen as a major setback.
The situation worsened this year when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also left for the Orlando Magic, leaving the Nuggets with one of the league’s weakest three-point shooting rosters. They currently rank 30th in three-point percentage, hitting just 34.3% of attempts.
Sitting at a mediocre 11-10 record and fifth in the Western Conference, the Nuggets need immediate action to turn their season around. Despite Jokic’s MVP-level performances, their championship prospects appear bleak without significant roster upgrades.
What’s Next for the Nuggets?
To salvage their season, the Nuggets must tackle their roster’s deficiencies before the trade deadline. Speculation suggests the Malone-Booth conflict could be linked to GM Booth’s lack of urgency in addressing team needs. Collaborative efforts to secure impactful trades could help resolve both on-court struggles and internal conflicts.
Improving their three-point shooting should be the priority. Proposals, such as acquiring sharpshooters from the Brooklyn Nets, have been floated as potential solutions to their shooting woes. Bold moves like these could reignite the Nuggets’ championship hopes.
With Jokic performing at his peak, now is the time for decisive action. NBA legend Charles Barkley even urged the team to provide Jokic with more support, stressing that his prime years should not go to waste.
The Nuggets are expected to be active in the trade market, and fans should watch closely as the February deadline approaches. Stay tuned for updates on how Denver plans to address their challenges and reclaim their contender status.
