National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets: 3 Things to Watch for in Their Preseason Opener

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:09 p.m. ET

foxsports

Feb 1, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) in the third quarter at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Raptors 112-93. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets have officially wrapped up their training camp in Omaha, Nebraska, and they will be headed to Canada to kick of their preseason.

After an exciting week in Omaha, the Denver Nuggets are (most importantly) healthy as they enter their first preseason game.

This game will be Calgary, Canada and it will be part of the series of preseason games called the “Canada Series.” This will be the fifth straight season that the NBA has put on the Canada Series.

Belive it or not: Calgary is 1,091 miles from Denver and 2,117 from Toronto. There is your stat of the day.

This game will take place at 7:00 PM Mountain Time.

Want your voice heard? Join the Nugg Love team!

This will be the first of Denver’s six road preseason games. They only have two homes games which will make eight in total.

While the preseason means little to most people and truly little in general, there will be several important takeaways and several key things to watch for from the team.

Therefore, without further ado, we will divulge into what we feel is the most important things to watch for.

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jamal Murray (Kentucky) is greeted by supporters after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Hometown Love

While Jamal Murray can call Canada in general home, he will be playing far from home, actually about 2,065 miles from home.

Kitchener is where Murray is from, and Kitchener is close to Toronto, but nonetheless the atmosphere may feel like home for him.

nuggets

Nugg Love 3wDenver Nuggets: Will Malik Beasley Sadly Only Get Insurance Minutes?

More headlines around FanSided:

3w - Top 5 Denver Nuggets with Any Fantasy Basketball Value 5w - Denver Nuggets: There Is No Hope for DeMarcus Cousins Coming to DEN 7w - Rio Olympics: Lauvergne, France Must Dominate Against Venezuela 7w - Team USA Dominate In Their Second Olympic Game 8w - Jameer Nelson: NBPA's Teammate of the YearMore News at Nugg Love

Murray will be under the spotlight just as he was throughout the Las Vegas Summer League. He was not only the seventh overall selection in this years NBA draft, but he was the Nuggets first selection.

His performance throughout the Summer League was telling though. He averaged 19.6 points per game. Jamal Murray and Juancho Hernangomez were the two sparkling diamonds for the Nuggets during the LVSL. Petr Cornelie, the Nuggets late second round pick, also played well.

Jamal Murray will be under the spotlight. This will be his first glimpse at the true NBA. Although players often times do not take preseason seriously, Murray will still be able to take the floor with All-Star Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Nonetheless, Jamal Murray will be battling several other Nuggets for minutes this season and a strong preseason could definitely help him lock up some more.

Watch Murray’s minutes, scoring, and most importantly his use and efficiency.

Feb 1, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) stretches prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Starters

This offseason has been one for the memory books. With trades rumors and now an uncertain starting lineup, it could get interesting tomorrow.

More from Nugg Love

Obviously, I expect the Nuggets to start out strong, and with that said, strong means with their best unit. Coach Malone’s best unit could consists of Faried, Arthur, or Jokic at the power forward.

For me at least, it will be easy to understand whoever Malone will choose to play at the four. While this does not mean that they will start the beginning of the season, it could be an indication.

Arthur is coming off of a training camp where he started out slow due to injury. Faried and Nurkic seemed to be fine, but they presented little media time.

So, it seems your guess could be as good as mine, and I am sure you may see it in our takeaways!

Let us know who you think will be the starting power forward and why below!

Nov 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) celebrates with guard Will Barton (5) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Guards

Emmanuel Mudiay will be heading into his sophomore season while Gary Harris will be entering his junior year.

Both Jamal Murray and Malik Beasley will see their first NBA action outside of summer league for Murray. This backcourt is young, and they need to prove they belong in a difficult Western Conference.

The minutes and efficiency will be key as these guards will kick the preseason off against both Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Emmanuel Mudiay caused havoc within the Nuggets own offense last season. He will have to play with much composure.

With only 9.0 assists per 100 possessions, Mudiay will need to be much more of a floor general this upcoming season if he wishes to take the next step. Even Deron Williams, who averaged a mere 5.8 assists per game, had 9.1 assists per 100 possessions.

Mudiay also had a -3.3 offensive win shares. Mudiay will surely be called upon more this upcoming season.

Harris, who will also need to shine, has yet to provide a spark from deep. Shooting a dismal 35.4% from outside last season, Harris will be called upon to connect as Mudiay will be driving and passing.

Harris made a jump last year to being relevant on this team, but can he take another leap this upcoming season?

Emmanuel Mudiay and Gary Harris are considered to be the future of the Denver backcourt, and along with Murray and Beasley, they need to start showing their full potential tonight.

This article originally appeared on