No Action Taken! The Best Player in the League Faces the Most Inept Management

The free agency period has begun, and in just the past 24 hours, the NBA has seen contracts worth over $1.5 billion being signed. Some teams have emerged as big winners, like the Philadelphia 76ers, who not only signed Paul George, Eric Gordon, and Andre Drummond but also brought back Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre. Next season, the 76ers will be gunning for an Eastern Conference Finals appearance once again.

However, some teams, despite having championship aspirations and being among the league’s elite, have done nothing to strengthen their roster. Instead, they’ve watched their key players walk away. Yes, we’re talking about the Denver Nuggets.

KCP Leaves for Orlando

On the first day of free agency, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left the Nuggets to sign with the Orlando Magic on a three-year, $66 million contract. While this might seem like an overpay, especially considering KCP’s poor playoff performance this year, the Magic are a young team in need of experienced veterans. With two championships under his belt and a solid 3-and-D reputation, KCP is a valuable addition, even if slightly overpriced.

For the Nuggets, losing KCP is a significant blow. Although he struggled in the playoffs, he was a crucial part of their regular-season success. He averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 40.6% from three and boasting a true shooting percentage of 60.2%. When KCP was on the court, the Nuggets outscored opponents by 11.3 points per 100 possessions. Without him, they were outscored by 4.0 points per 100 possessions. His cumulative plus-minus was +572, second only to Nikola Jokić’s +682. When KCP and Jokić shared the court, the Nuggets outscored opponents by 12.5 points per 100 possessions. With Jokić, Jamal Murray, KCP, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. on the floor, this number increased to +13.6 points.

In short, the Nuggets lost a well-integrated and essential championship member. Unlike last year's loss of Bruce Brown due to salary and rule restrictions, the Nuggets had KCP’s Bird rights and could have matched the Magic’s offer. According to team sources, there were three reasons they didn’t: KCP is 32 years old, he was dominated by Anthony Edwards in the playoffs, and the Nuggets preferred to maintain flexibility.

More Departures: Reggie Jackson and a Cost-Cutting Move

Before KCP’s departure, the Nuggets also traded Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets, giving up three second-round picks in the process. This move was purely for financial reasons—originally thought to free up space to re-sign KCP, which now seems irrelevant.

Jackson, while not playoff-reliable, had a solid regular season, averaging 10.2 points and 3.8 assists in 22 minutes per game, shooting 35.9% from three. Losing him will undoubtedly affect the Nuggets’ regular-season rotation.

Minor Signings: DeAndre Jordan

The Nuggets did make a minor signing, bringing back DeAndre Jordan on a one-year, $3.6 million veteran’s minimum contract. Jordan’s influence in the locker room is significant, and the Nuggets' GM views him as a Udonis Haslem-type player. However, Jordan’s on-court performance has significantly declined. Over the past two seasons, he’s played just 75 games, with diminishing minutes and stats each year. He’s not a suitable backup for Jokić based on his current level of play.

Rumored Interest in Russell Westbrook

There are rumors that the Nuggets are interested in Russell Westbrook. Westbrook had a tough season, hitting a career low and exercising his player option with the Clippers out of necessity. His decline was partly due to the arrival of James Harden, with whom he had visible incompatibility. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue often had to separate their playing time.

Westbrook’s shortcomings are well-documented: a 35-year-old veteran with no reliable jump shot, limited off-ball play, inconsistent defense, and questionable basketball IQ. Despite his past glories, Westbrook’s fit in today’s NBA is uncertain. With Harden staying, Westbrook's departure from the Clippers seems inevitable. According to team sources, Jokić wants the Nuggets to trade for Westbrook, and Westbrook is reportedly interested in Denver. However, can these two triple-double kings coexist? Their playing styles seem incompatible, and if Westbrook joins, he would likely come off the bench. While Westbrook’s career has been remarkable, expecting a minimum-salary player to fill the void left by Jackson and KCP is unrealistic.

The Nuggets' Current Situation

So far, the Nuggets' moves include trading away Reggie Jackson, letting KCP walk, re-signing DeAndre Jordan, and expressing interest in Westbrook. Meanwhile, the Western Conference landscape is changing. The Timberwolves have retained their core, and teams like the Thunder and Mavericks are making strategic improvements. The Nuggets have Jokić, but beyond him, what do they have? An overpaid Michael Porter Jr.? A struggling Jamal Murray? Aaron Gordon, who’s eyeing a big contract next year? The glory of last year seems hard to replicate.

The Current Western Conference Landscape

With the Timberwolves retaining their core, and teams like the Thunder and Mavericks making strategic improvements, the Nuggets find themselves in a precarious position. Despite having Jokić, the supporting cast is now a significant concern. Michael Porter Jr. remains overpaid and inconsistent, Jamal Murray has had a down season, and Aaron Gordon is already eyeing a lucrative contract next year.

The Nuggets’ strategy seems unclear. With limited significant additions and key departures, their ability to contend for another championship appears doubtful. The recent moves (or lack thereof) signal a potential step back for a team that seemed poised for sustained success just a year ago.

Conclusion

The Nuggets, led by arguably the best player in the league, are facing an uphill battle due to questionable management decisions. Their inability to retain key players and make impactful signings has put them at a disadvantage in an increasingly competitive Western Conference. As the season approaches, the pressure is on for Denver’s front office to prove that they can build a championship-caliber team around their star, Nikola Jokić.