Expectations for the Denver Nuggets in 2025 Are Set

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In 2024 the Denver Nuggets had themselves a success of a season making it further than the season prior. They were eliminated from OKC in game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. During the new season the Nuggets fired Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth.  There have also been some key roster changes throughout the season. Nuggets trading Michael Porter Jr via trade to the Brooklyn Nets. The Nuggets would go ahead and add Cameron Johnso allowing them shooting space in the wing position. Jonas Valancunas to hold up for their rebounds and interior on the court. Of course the return of Bruce Brown from the 2023 championship team . It is going to be interesting to see how Burce Brown can come back and make an impact for this team . Most of the players from the championship team are still there so the connection should be there as Bruce Brown only was away one year from Denver. The top three security blankets will return to Denver Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray , Aaron Gordon. Those three players need to stay healthy in this long basketball season for the Nuggets to make another serious push or reach the NBA finals once again. 

       Expect more plays and contributions from young players like Chrsitian Bruan, Peyton Watson , Julian Strawther as these players were able to help making plays last year. David Adelman is now the head coach for the Nuggets getting the team to the playoffs and having a decent run. The front office has emphasized adding shooting and spacing, particularly to better surround Jokić. The trade for Johnson and the signings of shooters aim toward that. Even though the Nugget traded Porter there could be a connection mission on the court even though in his final games in Denver he did not perform at his best. If this Nuggets team can stay healthy and play consistently during the season we could see the Nuggets making another deep playoff push or even making the finals. The Nuggets have made efforts to deepen the roster, but they’ll need that to matter — so the bench must produce more consistently, especially in matchups where starters need rest or are dealing with defensive pressure. If the Nuggets are able to have depth in their roster they could potentially sit certain players for certain games or allow bigger players to get the rest they need to have a long successful season. The Nuggets defense will continue to be tested as their offense looks to be good again. If the Nuggets can play at a high level they could possibly pull off another 50-52 winning season. 

      This is what could push the Nuggets over the top. If Cameron Johnson and other new additions deliver reliably, especially in shooting and spacing, that could open up huge advantages in alternate lineups.Christian Braun continuing his upward trajectory. If he becomes a dependable 3&D guard or even just a consistent secondary scorer, that boosts their flexibility. If the bench, especially frontcourt depth with Valančiūnas and younger bigs/forwards, holds up. Having reliable backup minutes for Jokić is big.Denver is probably in the strongest position they’ve been in since around their championship run in 2023 — still led by a generational talent in Jokić, more shooting around him, new coaching, and good depth. They look like one of the primary contenders in the West. But they also have a narrow margin: injuries, playoff matchups, and consistency from supporting players will decide whether this is a finals‑run year or another “good but not quite the best” season. The Nuggets will start their season on the road vs Golden State on October 23rd and then their home opener  October 25th against the Phoenix Suns.