The Denver Nuggets are fifth in the Western Conference and have one of the best record in the entire NBA. They also have one of the best candidates for MVP this year in Nikola Jokic. Besides Jokic, their next best player who isn’t injured is probably Aaron Gordon or Will Barton. These players are more likely to be a fourth option at best on any other playoff team.
So, why should the Nuggets be considered NBA Championship contenders?
First off, the Nuggets are fifth in the Western Conference basically just riding Jokic. He has no help right now, and they just beat the Philadelphia 76ers with James Harden and Joel Embiid.
Help is on the way. Jamal Murray has been assigned to the G-League, and his return to the lineup is coming sooner rather than later. People forget how good Murray really is. In his last three games, which were playoff games, he scored 50, 42, and then 50 points. That is unheard of.
People also forget that Murray is one of the most athletic players in the league. You can see above a massive dunk from Murray that is just one of his insane highlights from his career.
Getting back Murray, and possibly Michael Porter Jr. as well, could elevate this team from a good playoff team to a championship contender.
Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jamal_Murray_free_throw.jpg
