National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets: 3 Reasons Vegas Is Insanely Wrong

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:46 p.m. ET

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Feb 10, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) celebrates with guard Gary Harris (14) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Nuggets won 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets were projected to win a dismal 34.5 games this season by Vegas. Here are three reasons why that is extraordinarily flawed.

The Denver Nuggets were projected a mere 34.5 wins according to Vegas.

While the Nuggets only won 33 games last season, the team has improved tremendously in the offseason, and it could be time to starting respecting basketball in the Mile High City. The Nuggets had the lowest attendance in the league last season, so maybe, the Nuggets need to rally the community first.

Winning will do that. And, they are easily on their track to starting to revive Denver basketball after a three year playoff hiatus. Any Nuggets fan should immediately call in and place bets on the Nuggets OVER on the books.

Let’s being our slideshow on how this projection is a disrespect to this years team.

Oct 18, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) attempts a shot against Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

They Are Healthy

The Nuggets lacked several important aspects last season in order to achieve over 33 wins, and one of them was defensive.

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This season they will be getting back two key defenders in Wilson Chandler, who was out all of last season, and Jusuf Nurkic, who was out most of last year. This will be key in making sure that they do not continue to give up the 22nd worst points per game in the NBA.

The importance of Chandler’s scoring and defensive ability off of the bench can not be overstated. He will help the team be able to spread the floor while being able to defend the opponents best player- those reasons makes him an extremely important asset for the second unit.

Jusuf Nurkic is next. He will be the only true rim protector on the Denver Nuggets team. His inefficient scoring has plagued him throughout his career, but his presence in the paint for the second unit is pivotal.

Along with those two, Danilo Gallinari- the Nuggets top scorer- will return more dangerous than ever. He was in 53 games last season, and he will need to catapult himself as the renown leader of this ball club. In that short 53 games, he was able to averaged 19.5 points per game which was good enough to help in rank in the top 50 for S/I’s top 100 NBA players.

Health is the key reason, but let’s check out what else makes Vegas wrong.

Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) celebrates with teammates guard JaKarr Sampson (9) and guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) after a play in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

League’s Best Bench?

To be fair, this point is mainly about the return of Wilson Chandler and Jusuf Nurkic. Along with the combining of those terrific players, everyone must remember that the season is long, and competition will be a key factor.

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What does the second unit mean?

It means that the team- in most cases- prefers to start some one in front of you. That should motivate players such as Will Barton, Wilson Chandler, Darrell Arthur, and Jusuf Nurkic. With that motivation, these players could create the NBA best bench.

The season is 82 games, and injuries will start to set in. Key back up players at EVERY position will be a crucial factor for the Denver Nuggets. And, it could ultimately lead them to win a couple games, which would in turn boost them from say 34-35 wins into the 38-40 range.

This depth will be a contributing factor to the Denver Nuggets success in beating the Las Vegas odds and potentially beating everyones odds and making the playoffs.

Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) passes the ball to center Jusuf Nurkic (23) around Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 100-84. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Chemistry/Development

Gary Harris will be entering his junior season; Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic will be entering his sophomore season.

With all of them having excellent season post All-Star break, the Denver Nuggets could be set to see the best of their young guns. Mudiay cut down on his turnovers, Harris improved both verbally and offensively, and Jokic has proven the ability to stretch the floor.

Obviously, continued development will be key continuing this success, but behind Michael Malone and his staff, this is certainly possible.

34.5 games is just not enough for this team. Expect them to at least reach 35 wins barring any big-time injuries or frustration in the front office.

This team has potential, and I will be excited to see it.

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