The Denver Nuggets' odds of winning the NBA title this season are not the highest, even though they won last year.
That is understandable, given the moves made by other teams during the summer. For Denver's part, why fix it when it ain't broken?
The team let go of some key rotation players, such as Bruce Brown and Jeff Green. Although they still have a formidable lineup with two-time MVP Nikola Jokic leading them, the hole Brown and Green left sometimes trips them.
The Nuggets aren't that bad this year, with an 18-10 record (as of this writing). However, there are times when it shows that something is lacking.
They lost games they don't have business losing. They are 4-4 in their last eight. They lost to teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Sacramento Kings.
A depleted Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks almost got them, too.
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Mike Malone does not need a blockbuster trade. However, they can still use an upgrade for back-to-back NBA titles.
Here are some players they can pursue:
1. Royce O'Neale
Bruce Brown is missed. The Nuggets may have the likes of Vlatko Cancer and Peyton Watson playing meaningful minutes at the guard position, but their defense is suspect.
The team could use a defensive-minded guard, especially come playoff time. They need someone who can guard or has experience defending players at the level of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, DeAaron Fox, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and James Harden.
Royce O'Neale of the Brooklyn Nuggets is a good target. Nuggets don't need to let go of Marquee players to get him.
O'Neale, 30, has been a reliable player since his Utah Jazz days. This season, he has a 116.2 defensive rating while shooting 39.6 percent from the three. He could be the Nuggets' 3 and D guy.
2. Jae'Sean Tate
Nuggets could use a versatile small forward, which is where Jae'Sean Tate comes in. The Houston Rockets player has the reputation of a dog who plays with hustle and a lot of energy, just like PJ Tucker.
Jokic can still operate how he is used to and target Tate with his deceiving passes down the block. On the other hand, Tate can fulfill the role that Vlatko Cancar cannot deliver on the defensive end.
3. Jalen Smith
A frontcourt upgrade is another move the Nuggets must make this trade deadline. Jokic's minutes this season are just a tad higher than last season. However, in terms of activity, the Serbian MVP covers a lot.
He could use some help in that position by getting a young player who can also run. That is where Jalen Smith of the Indiana Pacers comes in. Smith, who the Nuggets reportedly targeted before, is a good rim roller for Jamal Murray.
Smith will also be an improvement of DeAndre Jordan who plays just 11 minutes per game this season and put up five points PPG.
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