The Denver Nuggets embarked on last season with the confidence and expectations that come from winning a championship. As the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, they were poised for a deep playoff run. However, what followed was a sequence of events that left players, analysts, and fans grappling with a sense of unfulfilled promise.
Falling Short of Expectations
After a season brimming with high hopes, the Nuggets found themselves exiting the playoffs in the second round, a stark contrast from their championship success the previous year. The end came at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, a result that was difficult for many to digest given Denver's standing and talent.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key player from last season, encapsulated the mood and challenges faced by the team: “You know how, towards the playoffs, guys get their rest, but I feel like that's where we spent most of our energy at times, trying to get that first place [spot in the West]. Playing catch-up. And then, we get to the playoffs, we have no gas. We felt like the Lakers should've beat us. We was down every game—at least 10 to, like, 20-something…Taking that energy and using it there. It was a lot that went into that season, no doubt.”
Playoff Struggles
The Nuggets' journey through the playoffs was marred by a grueling series against the Los Angeles Lakers, a team they had previously swept during their championship run in the Western Conference Finals. Analysts and fans pointed out critical issues, including a lack of timely adjustments and execution that impaired Denver’s ability to advance further.
The nails in the Lakers' coffin were attributed to Darvin Ham’s coaching decisions. “The nails in the Lakers' coffin were Darvin Ham's lack of adjustments and late-game execution -- which resulted in those blown leads -- as well as poor performances from anyone not named LeBron James or Anthony Davis,” read a widely discussed statement. James and Davis, despite their individual brilliance, couldn't rally the Lakers sufficiently, adding to the complexity of Denver's challenges.
Key Injuries and Player Performances
Injuries also played a significant role in Denver’s playoff woes. The Nuggets lost Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent to season-ending injuries, compounding the adversity the team had to face on the court.
While Denver struggled, individual performances from opponents stood out. LeBron James not only led his team with an average of 27.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game but also achieved playoff career-highs in assists and steals, with 8.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game. His teammate Anthony Davis posted similarly impressive numbers, averaging 27.8 points, 15.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game, underlining the formidable challenge the Nuggets faced against the Lakers' stars.
Offseason Changes
The offseason marked a significant shift for Denver, highlighted by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's departure to the Orlando Magic. Caldwell-Pope signed a lucrative three-year, $66 million deal, signaling a new direction for both the player and the franchise. His exit underscores the need for Denver to reassess and potentially rebuild certain aspects of their roster.
As a team that had tasted the ultimate success just a year prior, the Nuggets are now in a phase of introspection and recovery. With key players rehabilitating from injuries and the pursuit of strategic new signings underway, there is a palpable sense of urgency to return to championship contention. The narrative of the Denver Nuggets is thus one of potential unerringly veering towards redemption. The upcoming season will be a critical test of their resolve and ability to adapt to the challenging landscape of the NBA.