The Wild, Wild West: A Team-By-Team Preview Of The NBA Western Conference

Denver Nuggets (Northwest Division)

Last year’s result: Regular Season (36-46). Missed Playoffs

Significant players added:  Aaron Afflalo, Nate Robinson, Gary Harris (Rookie)

Significant players lost: Evan Fournier, Anthony Randolph

Projected starting lineup: Ty Lawson, Aaron Afflalo, Wilson Chandler, Kenneth Faried, and JJ Hickson

Analysis: The biggest move the Nuggets made was trading for Aaron Afflalo, giving up Evan Fournier and the 56^th pick in this year’s draft. That’s a steal fills a void in their roster. Denver was in desperate need of shooters and Afflalo definitely fills that gap. Hopefully, Danilo Gallinari will be fully healthy after missing all of last year’s season with a torn left ACL. Gary Harris was also an absolute steal at the 19^th pick in the draft. He’s a skilled, consistent combo guard who is probably the 2^nd most NBA ready player in the draft behind Jabari Parker. With a healthier roster, the addition of Afflalo, and a solid draft, the Nuggets are modestly improved from last year.

Grade: B