Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Feb. 8 vs. Denver Nuggets

Who Are The Nuggets?

Are the Denver Nuggets good? It’s tough to answer that question. They have good players. They are currently in a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Still, their record is just 23-28. They have promise, but they’re not “there” yet.

The Nuggets are led by Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari, two veterans that would probably be best served as role players on a contending team. In Denver, they have to carry a significant portion of the offensive load.

Gallinari leads the Nuggets in scoring, averaging 17.2 points per game on 43.2 percent shooting and 38.1 percent from three-point range. Chandler has cooled off after a hot start, but he’s still having a productive season. He’s averaging 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on 44.9 percent shooting and 33.8 percent from outside.

There are solid role players on this team, as well. Will Barton is a good scorer off the bench. Gary Harris Jr. looks like a “three and D” wing. Kenneth Faried has fallen out of favor, but he can still grab rebounds, finish at the rim, and bring energy of the bench. Jamal Murray has loads of potential and maybe one day Emmanuel Mudiay will figure it all out. There’s a lot to like about this team.

The Nuggets desperately want to make the playoffs, although, it wouldn’t surprised me if they pulled the plug and traded both Chandler and Gallinari. Each player could likely fetch a first round pick.

I’ve intentionally left out Denver’s best player. He deserves his own section. He’s a budding superstar and the torch will quickly be passed to him as his rapid development continues. Heck, maybe the torch has already been passed.

The Denver Nuggets are Nikola Jokic‘s team.