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July 07, 2021

What do the Denver Nuggets need to do this offseason?

Really, not much.

They've got the reigning MVP in Nikola Jokic.

They had a great midyear pickup in Aaron Gordon.

They saw Michael Porter become who they hoped they were drafting.

Unfortunately, they saw Jamal Murray blow his knee out not too long after acquiring Gordon.

But, seriously, with a week free agent class, all they need to do is decide whether or not to resign Paul Millsap, and at what price, and ditto on Will Barton if he doesn't exercise his player option. Millsap has a lot of heart and still some "enforcer" or "banger" value. But, that's about it and he's getting older. (Update: Barton has opted out, and if it's for money, rather than a multi-year deal, I think you have to let him walk.)

Otherwise? A full season with a largely young, still improving team? A full season of Gordon?

Don't panic.

The Lakers are getting older, especially LeBron James. Anthony Davis is still, to a degree, an injury waiting to happen. Other than that, they're kind of thin.

The Clipps? Who knows what that team will do? Paul George and Kawhi Leonard still partially occupy the same position and theyre weak at the point.

The Jazz? You have more overall depth, still, than what they do behind Donovan Mitchell.

The Suns are most likely your biggest longer-term competition, as Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton both still rise, especially as long as Chris Paul has something in the tank.

Otherwise, a "banger" type guy in the draft would be a good target, IMO. Yes, Murray's injury precludes him from the start of the season. But, Austin Rivers was ... OK (assuming they bring him back), they've got a full season of Gordon, and if Barton walks, they can probably sign some other wing cheaper.

Over at Hoops Rumors, commenters on their story on the Nuggets offseason preview have many soured on Gordon.

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