National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets: Evaluating Our Stars from the Stands

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 14, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in overtime against the Golden State Warriors at the Pepsi Center. The Warriors won 129-128. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Preseaon Home Opener in Denver, Colorado

The Denver Nuggets were home for their first preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. The Nuggets lost 129-128 in overtime after leading much of the way. Two points to keep in mind:

It is just preseason…..

How will the Warriors not be able to win 74 games? That is a line up that will give a lot of teams trouble throughout the upcoming season. It is crazy to think that the Nuggets’ starters actually outplayed the Warriors while their bench let them down.

I was fortunate enough to be able to watch this one live and in person. No streaming issues.

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Below is some thoughts about three Nuggets that I decided to follow last night and provide some insight into what the upcoming season may hold for Galliniari, Faried, and Hernangomez.

Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) takes a free throw against the Toronto Raptors during the third quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Danilo the Man

During the 2015-2016 Season Danilo Gallinari attempted 239 three point shots in his 53 game season.

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He made 87 of those attempts. It is no secret the Nuggets are a team in need of some outside shooting. Last season it appeared that Gallinari was choosing to drive first.

The preseason games have shown Gallinari to be focusing on the outside shot. So far in three games he has appeared in he is 7 of 9 from behind the arc.

Last night he was a perfect 4 for 4 from behind the 3-point line. He still has his ability to make drives to the basket. We all know about his ability to get to the free throw line. If this long range, slashing, and free throw making would all come together this is going to be a fun season to watch the guy from Italy.

Furthermore, the Nuggets will see the floor open up even more if all of these continue to come together for Rooster. This will certainly provide more opportunity for the rest of team.

Mar 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) battle over a loose ball during double overtime of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Nuggets defeated the Pelicans 118-111 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Manimal

Kenneth Faried has been in the news for the Denver Nuggets since last season ended.

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The trade rumors are still in play but for now he remains in Denver. This may be a good thing! It appears that Faried will be coming off the bench during the upcoming season. The energy that the Manimal brings to the Nuggets is unmatched.

Coming off the bench and facing another team’s second unit could pay off. Listening to Mike Malone’s post game comments last night was nothing but praise for Faried. His effort and positive impact has been a bright spot as training camp has progressed.

Faried’s defense has caused numerous match up problems in the past. Match up problems that are certainly not the positvie kind. Last night I tracked his defense. He was matched up Javale McGee and David West of the Warriors both of these second unit players had more size than Faried.

I did not find one defensive possession in which you could fault the Manimal’s efforts. Faried played 17 minutes and chipped in 9 points, 2 assists, 8 rebounds, and 1 blocks shot. Bringing this energy magnet off the bench could be answer to ending the trade rumors.

It will be interesting to see how this progresses over the first month of the season.

Oct 12, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Juancho Hernangomez (41) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Minnesota won 105-88. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The Spaniard

Juancho Juancho Juancho was a chant that was heard in the second half after the “rookie” from Spain made a sprint back to defend the rim.

It was a great block that had the Warriors calling for a goal tending. When the replay came up above the court at Pepsi Center it was just a great play. One of many that Hernangomez will be involved in going forward.

Now the chant was only from about 30 people but this player could end up with a much bigger following. When drafted it was unclear how he would fit into the Nugget’s plan. Seeing him play in person it is now clear he will need to see the floor in the upcoming season.

I was most impressed with his hustle plays and his ability to pass. Mix these in with his movement without the ball and Juancho will be deserving of those chants. He also showed some toughness several times while on the floor last night.

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Toughness is something that many coming from Europe sometimes don’t seem to have. But Juancho has it.

It will be interesting to see how he fits into the rotation when the games count. I hate to say it but he may end up pushing some of the Nuggets second unit in his quest for playing time.

So although this will go down as a preseason loss there are some special things happening with the team that plays their games a mile high.

Continue to be ready and watch for some great basketball as Mile High basketball has been given a renewed spirit.

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