Predicting 2013-14 Western Conference Standings Pre-Free Agency

No. 5 Seed – Denver Nuggets (2012-13 – No. 3 Seed)

Apr. 21, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) talks with forward Al Harrington (7) , forward Danilo Gallinari (8) and guard Ty Lawson (3) while playing against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports.

The Denver Nuggets have experienced some tough breaks this offseason. First, they lost Executive of the Year Masai Ujiri to the Toronto Raptors. Then, they fired George Karl fresh of his Coach of the Year honor. Olympian and All-Star Andre Iguodala declared that he will opt-out of the final year of his contract. Lastly, Vice President Pete D’Alessandro left for the Sacramento Kings.

So what do the Nuggets have going for them in 2013-14?

Well, they still have Ty Lawson and Danilo Galinari. The absence of Igoudala will allow Evan Fournier to develop in his sophomore season. They also have one the most physically gifted centers in the league in Javale McGee. If the Nuggets could land a coach that could harness McGee’s physical abilities but also tighten up his poor decision-making, they could be in a very good position next year.