National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets: 3 Bold Predictions for This Upcoming Season

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:00 p.m. ET

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Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the Denver Nuggets logo on the floor prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets have had a quiet offseason, and as they ramp up for the season to begin, could these bold predictions come through this season?

With the return of Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Jusuf Nurkic, the Denver Nuggets are in for quite the season. While only given a 34.5 games on their over/under, the Denver fans should be putting all their worth on this team.

The young guns, the health, the coach- there is too much right for this too go that wrong. But, Denver basketball is not consistently disrespected for being a perennial playoff contender. Even in a time of development, the Nuggets have the ability to contend for the 8th playoff spot.

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Therefore, as we start to enter this season, let’s look at three bold predictions that we could see throughout this season.

Mar 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) fouls Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Mavericks defeated the Nuggets 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Darrell Arthur Will Start Over Half of the Season

Why? Two reasons.

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The first is that Head Coach Mike Malone is a defensive mastermind and craves defensive success. With that said, he will insert into the starting lineup the player that will best do that. In many cases, that player will be Darrell Arthur, not Kenneth Faried.

Darrell Arthur would immensely help Emmanuel Mudiay. The ability to space the floor would make Mudiay’s drive much more effective as the defensive power forward would have to cover Arthur from deep. It would also help Nikola Jokic operate in the low-post more efficiently. Along with allowing Gallinari another out route when his isolation moves go wrong, this could be a smart move from Coach Malone.

And, if he thinks this is a good move, he may implement it earlier on the season when the Nuggets can be on the verge of winning important games. With prediction number one under the belt, let’s take a look at number two.

Nikola Jokic Will Be an All-Star

Nikola Jokic is one of the youngest members on the Nuggets team at only 21, but he could be ready to contribute the most.

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It is just a little glimpse, but Nikola Jokic averaged 11.6 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game in the last 5 games of April. While many of these could be just toss-away games for the competition, it is nice to see the potential from Jokic.

Not only has he improved, but Nikola Jokic dominated the USA during the Rio Olympic games this summer. Him posting up Boogie Cousins and Draymond Green were proof enough that he is ready for this next step in his career.

He increased his minutes, points, and just about every stat throughout last season. Just think if Jokic can do that again this year. What if Nikola Jokic could put up 18 points per game and 11 rebounds per game nightly. That is All-Star worthy. Nikola Jokic has the talent, the range, and the ability to score in bulk.

It could be time for the Serbian Sensation to step up and fulfill his large role. Nonetheless, is it a bold prediction. Nikola Jokic becoming an All-Star in his sophomore campaign is a long-shot.

Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) looks on from the bench in the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at the Pepsi Center. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Danilo Gallinari Will Play ALL Season

One time in the 2009-2010 season has Danilo Gallinari played over 75 games. He played 81 games while in New York.

I will boldly predict that Gallo will play all season, all 82 games. Wilson Chandler will be coming back and energizing the second unit. Him coming back could be one of the most helpful things for Gallo’s health. Gallinari, who has played 30+ minutes per game throughout his career, should be able to cool it down to around 28 this season.

Finally will Denver have a capable second unit small forward that is excellent at defense. The extra time, per game, that Gallinari will be able to sit could keep him rested throughout the season.

This extra rest will be the reason that Gallo hopefully can stay healthy.

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Whether Darrell Arthur is a starter for most of the season, Gallinari’s plays all 82 games, or Nikola Jokic becomes an All-Star- I would be ecstatic to see any of these bold predictions come true.

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