If it wasn’t readily apparent a couple of weeks ago, it’s jumping-off-the-screen obvious now — is legit.
isn’t too bad either. Or Torrey Craig. Or Trey Lyles. Or Juan Hernangomez. Or… you get the picture.
The Nuggets are loaded, and if it wasn’t for all the injuries suffered during the first half of the season, we might not even know it. But here we are 53 games into the regular season, the Nugs are second in the Western Conference and they have a roster as deep as any in the Association.
Unfortunately, there’s only 240 minutes to go around in an NBA game. With at least 12 guys who legitimately deserve playing time — 13 if you count — head coach Michael Malone will have some difficult decisions to make once everyone is healthy. Especially when the playoffs roll around and rotations inevitably shrink.
Thomas is going to be suiting up sometime soon (although we don’t know when). and will be fully healed before you know it.
But does Malone really want to reduce Beasley’s minutes right now given the way he’s playing? Or Morris’ for that matter? And who wants to limit Craig’s defensive impact on the game?
So the question is: How is Malone going to keep all these players happy?
A great problem to have, but a problem all the same.
— , The Denver Post
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Whatap on tap?
Wednesday: At Brooklyn Nets, 5:30 p.m., ALT; 92.5 FM
Friday: At Philadelphia 76ers, 5 p.m., ALT; 92.5 FM
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Must-Read
Nuggets coach Michael Malone earns All-Star nod, respect and gratitude from his players
Nuggets coach Michael Malone is adept at dancing a fine line after landmark wins. He wants his team to savor the sweet victories, but he’s always wary of celebrating anything prematurely. Malone didn’t have a choice Saturday night, Mike Singer writes.
Why Monte Morris deserves more starts, even if the Nuggets are at full strength
The former Iowa State star has proven to be more than a revelation in his first full NBA season, he’s also a darling of offensive efficiency, Sean Keeler writes.
How Malik Beasley, and not Jamal Murray, became Nuggets’ deadliest weapon from downtown
Jamal Murray made suggestions here and there. So did veteran guard Isaiah Thomas. But it all started in the summer, between Malik Beasley’s ears, Sean Keeler writes.
Quick Hits
+ NBA trade deadline is “just as nuts as you indulge in it,” Nuggets’ Will Barton says.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Would adding Isaiah Thomas to the rotation hurt Denver’s playoff push?
+ Mark Kiszla’s Lunch Special: Does Anthony Davis to the Nuggets make sense?
+ Kiz vs. Singer: Whatap wrong with Nuggets’ $30 million forward Paul Millsap?
+ Nikola Jokic to participate in Skills Challenge during NBA All-Star weekend
+ Jokic on his TNT interview after being named an All-Star reserve: “I got to make fun of Shaq.”
+ Coach Malone refused to lobby for Jokic’s All-Star candidacy: “Nikola lobbies every time he plays.”
+ The most memorable game of the season to date? It has to be the “bedlam, pandemonium” of the Nuggets’ rally from 25 points down against the Grizzlies.
+ Barton: If the Nuggets’ defense matched the offense, Denver could put teams away by halftime.
+ Barton on his return from surgery: “Itap time to get back to who I am.”
+ Jokic has now been named Western Conference Player of the Week three times this season.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
By The Numbers
$1.375 billion
The Denver Nuggets are the 21st most-valuable team in the NBA, according to Forbes.
Parting Shot
You ping, Nikola Jokic pongs. Maybe you even beat the All-Star. Itap a night you’ll never forget, .
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at mschubert@denverpost.com or tweet me .
