2013-14 NBA Preview: 10 Teams Best Suited To Play Small Ball
By John Kim
6. Denver Nuggets
Jul 25, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA White Team guard Ty Lawson (21) dribbles the ball while being defended by USA Blue Team guard Kemba Walker during the 2013 USA Basketball Showcase at the Thomas and Mack Center. Team White won the game 128-106. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The Nuggets have two of the most dynamic point guards in the league, Ty Lawson and Nate Robinson. Though they are both severely undersized, their quickness is almost unparalleled among any other backcourts.
Kenneth Faried provides the Nuggets with an exceptionally athletic power forward that can play the center position if needed. At 6’8”, Faried is undersized, but his strength, speed and leaping ability will be a big problem for traditional centers in the league.
Denver’s new big man, J.J. Hickson also looks to fit into their system well. At 6’9” Hickson is an underrated forward-center with above-average rebounding ability. Hickson gives the Nuggets a post-presence with quick feet. His experience at the center position will allow him to fit in comfortably with Denver’s desire to play small.