Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets: Handing Out Quarter Season Team Awards

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

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Dec 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) celebrates Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson

The Denver Nuggets entered the 2016-2017 NBA season hoping for the continued development of young pieces and the extended health of older role players.

As injuries and poor play have affected some of the previously most relied on players, others have been forced to step into new roles and have thrived for the Denver Nuggets.

Off to an underwhelming start; there is reason for optimism, as the Nuggets have kept games close against playoff-bound teams, albeit with some key loses to clearly inferior competition.

There have been surprising, disappointing, and flat-out bold performances to date during this young Nuggets season. As such, lets examine the players who’ve held the team together by giving out awards to the MVP, Rookie of the Quarter, Sixth Man of the Quarter, Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Quarter of the Denver Nuggets so far.

If you think that you could put together a different list of players, comment and tell us why.

Nov 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) shoots the ball on a fast break against Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Most Valuable Player

Wilson Chandler

Chandler’s scorching start to the 2016-2017 season has established him as the Nuggets best player and borderline star in the NBA. So far, he’s averaging 18 points and 7.6 rebounds in a mere 31 minutes per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.7% from 3. His increased efficiency and impact on the game suggest Chandler’s success can be sustainable when healthy.

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Chandler’s versatility enables him to lineup anywhere from SG to PF on a nightly basis, where he excels offensively and defensively at each position. As a matchup nightmare, standing 6’8 and a lean 225 pounds, Chandler has the quickness to blow past bigs and the bulk to out-muscle wings. Defensively, his strength allows him to fight for position in the post while his length enables him to guard the perimeter and rebound at an exceptional rate.

His break out start has established him as the go-to scorer late in games for the Nuggets and provided a safety net amid the offensive confusion.

Also Receiving Consideration:

Danilo Gallinari

Nov 22, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan (0) guards Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Sixth Man of the Quarter

Wilson Chandler

Ill Will’s top-notch athleticism has been well utilized off the bench, as he’s become the scoring-spark the Nuggets have lacked in recent seasons. As a leader and veteran-presence, Chandler has been active in leading by example through his hard work night-in, night-out. He’s stabilized the second-unit and made the Nuggets bench one of the highest scoring in the league.

Off the bench, Nikola Jokic has been able to turn in some impressive performances, including his 23-point, 17-rebound explosion against Portland in the second game of the season. Rookie Jamal Murray has been a key cog off the bench with his perimeter scoring and underrated passing.

Also Receiving Consideration:

Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray

Dec 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets forward Corey Brewer (33) guards Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie of the Quarter

Jamal Murray

Murray has proven to be a legitimate threat from deep, hovering around 40% from the 3. His shooting has opened driving lanes for teammates, who have shown a willingness to kick it back out to him. The most noticeable improvement has been in his ability to finish around the basket. His craftiness and focus have allowed him to absorb contact and reposition his body to finish contested shots.

The first 20 games since leaving Kentucky have been fire or ice for Murray. There are moments, like failing to make a field goal through the first four games on 16 attempts, to his 24-point, 6-rebound performance in 22 minutes against the Chicago Bulls, that prove the rookie’s turbulent start. Consistency will determine whether he can develop into an All-Star or rotation player.

Also Receiving Consideration:

Juan Hernangomez, Malik Beasley

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (center) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Player of the Quarter

Kenneth Faried

Beginning the year off the bench, Faried has been a revelation on the defensive side of the ball for the Nuggets this season. Using his athleticism and energy, the Manimal is leading the Nuggets in rebounds, blocks, steals, defensive rating and defensive win-shares. All of this has happened with Faried playing the second fewest minutes since his rookie season.

Faried is one of three current Nuggets to have been with the team during their last postseason trip in 2012-2013. If the Nuggets hope to return to playoff contention, he will need to continue to set the tone on defense and use his energy to impact games.

Others Receiving Considerations:

Jusuf Nurkic

Nov 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone talks with guard Jameer Nelson (1) during the game against the Utah Jazz at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Most Improved Player

Jameer Nelson

It would be unfair to put Chandler in three different awards, plus his production is more of a result of his health than improved play. Although his numbers don’t jump off the page, Jameer is leading the team in assists while providing an on-court veteran presence. His energy and savvy style of play has forced Coach Malone to keep him in the lineup late in games.

Up until his most recent shooting slump, Nelson was connecting on 42.5% of FG from the 3-point line. After seeing his role all but diminish after last seasons acquisition of DJ Augustine, Nelson’s play has demonstrated his willingness to accept any role he is given.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Wilson Chandler, Jusuf Nurkic

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