While talking heads often become critical of the Nuggets due to their lack of a true "star" player, I believe this is their strength. With a rotation consisting mainly of 9 players, all capable scorers and defenders, opposing teams never know who to key in on. At point guard they boast one of, if not the best point guard rotations in the NBA with Ty Lawson, who is quickly becoming a top tier offensive threat at point guard, and Andre Miller (he also plays sg alongside Lawson depending on the matchup) who is about as well rounded and crafty as any player in the league. At Shooting Guard the have former all-star Andre Iguodala who we know is a defensive stalwart and capable scorer, especially on the fast break, combined with Wilson Chandler (who can also play the 3 or even 4 in a pinch) who can really do everything needed offensively in today's game. Both players are double digit scorers, athletic freaks and are good rebounders. Iguodala is also a terrific passer, something I'll mention later. At small forward they have the Offensive weapon in Gallinari, who may be shooting the ball at a poor clip, but can really score in bunches for this team. Along with Gallinari, backup Corey Brewer is a top tier rangy defender, who just causes havoc on the court and has turned himself into a capable scorer. Lastly, at the big man rotation they have the pleasure of putting out the "Manimal" and your author's favorite player Kenneth Faried. Combined with Faried they start steady Kosta Koufos and rotate in off the bench the highflying/shotblocking/shakeyourheadatforaterribleplay/freakofanathlete/canchangeagame/mommasboy JaVale McGee. Yes, JaVale is all those things, but most importantly he provides positive energy whether its in the way of a blocked shot or a loud dunk, he's always doing something, good or bad, that makes me say "wow". That big man rotation is not only capable defensively, but they can also finish at the hoop with authority. With the slashers they have at both the guard and wing positions this 3 man combo at big man is the perfect compliment.
The "Manimal" is just one of the half dozen high flyers on this team" |
You can make it Iggy..... |
Sure, they still don't have one player who will score 25 every game so instead they win with balance and usually one of those players scores in the 20s, like Ty Lawson's 25 last night in their big win at OKC. It's not about one guy in Denver, it's about the sum of the parts. If the 13 game winning streak didn't get your attention, hopefully a win on one of the NBA's best teams' home court does. These Nuggets are golden and are ready to make a run in the playoffs.
-Andrew Lipson, Senior Blogger
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