2008-2009 Finish: 57-25

What went well

The Denver Nuggets can thank its surge towards the end of the 07/08 season on two things: Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard. By pairing two of the most lethal players in all the game, GM Nick had the groundwork for a team that could dominate the league for years to come.

Luckily he convinced both players to re-sign over the summer. The rest of the work then turned to retaining players and bringing in new pieces to complement the team. It seems everyone wanted back in: Devin Harris re-signed and Leon Powe re-signed. James Posey, tired of the two man show, hit the road. To replace him, the Nuggets got a bargain in Jarvis Hayes and journeymen Adonal Foyle and Devin Brown. They then made one move to shore up the bench, sending off bust Brian Cook, potential-laden Thabo Sefolosha and Sergio Rodriguez for new starting point guard Rafer Alston and benchies Jamaal Magloire and Walter Herrmann.

The season began and the Nuggets began to dominate as expected, ending the season with the best record in the NLL. They pulled off only one other trade in the process, sending the disappointing Damien Wikins to the Miami Heat for the even more disappointing Hilton Armstrong and a 2nd rounder. But little trades like that didn't matter. Kobe and Dwight were ready!


What didn't

The Nuggets swept through the first two rounds of the playoffs, knocking off former champs Portland 4-1 and taking the broom to Lebron and the Clips. The Conference Finals were a little more tricky as the Wolves pushed a Game 7, losing by a mere basket. But perhaps GM Nick underestimated the Toronto Raptors (like everyone else did). After only five games did the mighty Nuggets fold and once again went back to Colorado empty-handed.

Stars

- Kobe Bryant, GF-

Though Bryant experienced a big drop-off in point production this season, he is still on the game's most lethal players. 23.7 ppg is nothing to sniff at on 52% shooting. He decided to return for another two seasons and it looks like an extension is in the works. Watch him his continued dominance next season.


- Dwight Howard, C –

Like Bryant, Howard also experienced a big dropoff in point production this season, but his shooting percentage rocked from 52% to 62%. He also really stepped up his defensive play, blocking almost three shots per game. Look for him to stay in Denver for a good, long time.



- Devin Harris, G –

If there is any player in Denver almost as important as the Big Two, it's Devin Harris. Completing his fourth season with the team, Harris alternates between the 1 and 2, though he may be better suited at point guard. He averaged 15.8 points per game and improved his free throw percentage.


Looking to the future

The Nuggets face the same problem as many of the other big money teams around the league. They only have 8 guys under contract and the luxury cap threshold sits $5.5 million away. The choice is either push over the limit by getting some quality guys or go for a bunch of scrubs and up-and-comers and pray Kobe or Dwight doesn't get hurt.

The draft doesn't hold the answer either. At pick 30, the Nuggets selected Victor Claver, an athletic forward who they will need to stash in Europe for a few years. At 33 they reached and took LSU senior Marcus Thornton. He can score, but do little else. It is impossible to see him as little more than a bench spot-up shooter. And at pick 60? Who is Emir Preldzic?

So it's decision time for GM Nick. Walter Herrmann will return to Europe and Leon Powe, who has openly complained about his treatment, will probably hit the road. Big men Adonal Foyle and Jamaal Magloire are little more than place holders and Hilton Armstrong already holds the title of token big man on the squad. It is probably best to let Morris Almond take off as well. It is hard to envision someone being traded from the starting five as well. The weakest link, Andray Blatche, makes very little money and Alston is solid at around $5 million. If anyone should go, it's Harris. Nick can turn him into 2 solid $4 million youngsters and then move Kobe to shooting guard. The small back court of Alston and Harris may be quick, but a bigger two could really help this team. Of course, GM Nick can also just fill out the team with MLE and then get minimum guys. It should be all right either way.