The NBA Finals are set, and the matchup should inform many teams about how the league is going and what must be done to compete in the future. For the Nuggets, that means trading Michael Porter Jr. and turning his salary into multiple players as soon as possible.
With the Thunder and Pacers cruising to the Finals, it proves that there has been a shift in the league, and what’s required to win at the highest level is different than even a few years ago. Neither one of these teams broke the bank; in fact, neither one even paid the luxury tax this season.
Instead, these teams were built shrewdly, over time, with one smart move after another, focusing on elite, versatile depth. Obviously, with guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton, there will be plenty of star power in the Finals, but it’s all about how these teams come at you with waves, both going 10+ deep at times in these playoffs.
As importantly, they have different options and adjustments to make, and every guy they send onto the floor is a competent playoff performer. The days of building a “big 3” are over, and it seems more important than ever to have a solid eight-man rotation of guys who can’t be played off the floor.
Nuggets need depth to compete
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This is all in stark contrast to what the Nuggets put on the floor this season. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the coaching staff trusted six players, and that was basically it. Two of those four players were badly hurt, and they didn’t have more than a handful of guys who could actually make an impact on both ends of the court.
It was a recipe for disaster, and frankly, it’s pretty impressive they made the second round and pushed this OKC team to seven. But that’s mostly a reflection on Nikola Jokic and his greatness. If Denver can put a supporting cast around him that’s deep and versatile, the sky is the limit.
Flipping MPJ for depth is key to the offseason
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That begins with trading Michael Porter Jr. this summer and getting multiple players in return. MPJ is set to make over $38 million next season, which is just not tenable for a role player. Mike has had a great run in Denver, and he helped win a title in 2023, but his game just hasn’t matured, and it’s time to move on.
His value won’t be high given his shortcomings, contract, and injury issues, but there is value in a 26-year-old 6’10” elite movement shooter. Some team can at least convince themselves that with a bigger role, MPJ could still be a sort of offensive focal point. Teams need shooting desperately, and Mike can at least provide that in spades.
The tough part for the Nuggets will be finding a deal that nets multiple players who can be a part of the rotation. It’s a lot easier said than done, and it may be the biggest challenge facing the new front office, but it’s paramount that they start diversifying this roster and making sure the team isn’t running out of gas in round two for a third straight season.