The Nuggets have a strong young core. That’s no secret for a team that advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs on the backs of 24-year-old Nikola Jokic and 22-year-old Jamal Murray.
But just how strong is this young core? According to The Ringer’s Zach Kram, .
Using to figure out the number of wins above replacement over the next five years, the young Denver players had a WAR of 85.1, considerably higher than the No. 2 Pelicans (77.5) and No. 3 Grizzlies (68.1). (Coming in last place is Houston, who had 2.5).
On what the team needs to do to continue its success:
“(Nikola) Jokic must prove that last season was not the peak, but rather just the breakout for a perennial All-NBA player. (Jamal) Murray must consolidate his early-career gains to become a more consistent second banana. Fellow young guards like (Monte) Morris and Malik Beasley must do the same, on a more secondary level.”
On why the Nuggets are No. 1:
“The Nuggets have an established leader, supporting players who make sense given Jokic’s playing style and timeline, and additional talent waiting in the wings. Denver’s a worthy winner of the best young team designation.”
— , The Denver Post
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
What’s on Tap?
- MLB: At Washington Nationals, 2 p.m. Thursday, ATTRM |
- MLB: At Cincinnati Reds, 4:40 p.m. Friday, ATTRM |
- MLB: At Cincinnati Reds, 5:10 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM |
- MLS: At San Jose Earthquakes, 8 p.m. Saturday, ALT |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
.
Scoreboard
MLB: Nationals 3, Rockies 2
Full story |
MLB: Nationals 2, Rockies 0
Full story |
Must-Read
Rockies Insider: The five most disappointing individual performances in Colorado’s underachieving season
With the Rockies on track to miss the playoffs for the first time in three years, here’s a ranking of the five most disappointing individual performances by Colorado players this season. Read more…
Mel Tucker promotes CU Buffs alum Darrin Chiaverini: “Itap personal to him”
Chiaverini on Wednesday became the first CU football alum since Brian Cabral in 2009-10 to serve as the program’s assistant head coach. Read more…
“I don’t see myself as a role player.” How Broncos’ Tim Patrick aims to build on breakout season.
The play gets lost in a sea of Broncos highlights last season. You can bet wide receiver Tim Patrick remembers. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Jon Gray dodges major injury, but he’s frustrated by Rockies’ prolonged slump
+ Broncos training camp rewind, Day 6: WR Emmanuel Sanders debuts in 7-on-7 drills
+ Nuggets announce Jamal Murray’s five-year contract extension
+ CU Buffs football picked to finish at bottom of Pac-12 South Division.
+ A national anthem protest ruined his NBA career. Now former Nuggets star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is being honored by LSU.
+ Nationals ace Max Scherzer to return against Rockies on Thursday.
+ Tokyo Olympics unveil gold, silver, bronze medals.
+ Pac-12 to move football title game to Las Vegas in 2020.
+ AEW on TNT: All Elite Wrestling to debut weekly live pro wrestling show in October
+ Mountain getaways outside of Colorado that are worthy of a summer vacation.
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
82
Broncos LB Bradley Chubb voted No. 82 among NFL’s top 100 players
After a stellar rookie season, Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb was voted in at No. 82 on the NFL Top 100 list. Read more…
Parting Shot
Jaguars star Jalen Ramsey arrives at camp in armored truck
Jalen Ramsey crouched in the back of an armored truck, peered through a small window and waited for his introduction. The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback then flung open both doors, revealing dozens of phony bank money bags and a huge smile. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
