Latest news with #DenverNuggets
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nuggets Trade Rumors Get Unexpected Update Before Offseason
The Denver Nuggets fell just short in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. After firing long-time head coach Michael Malone with only a few regular season games remaining, David Adelman helped the Nuggets take the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder seven games deep. Advertisement It's clear the Nuggets can still compete at a high level with their current squad -- even with an interim head coach at the helm -- though changes will need to be made. Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP winner and NBA champion, provides an elite building block for any franchise. The Nuggets will need to capitalize on his greatness by making the necessary tweaks. Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) and center Nikola Jokic (15).© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images One player who was in the spotlight during the playoffs was Michael Porter Jr. He struggled to make any real impact in the playoffs. Chatter emerged regarding Denver's roster and pending changes this offseason. However, a recent unexpected update could lend a hand in what the club is planning to do this offseason, as reported by Sam Amico. Advertisement 'So even Nikola Jokic as the main man, the Nuggets still need help. Sources say they're hesitant to part ways with core members of their 2023 championship team — Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and now, Christian Braun. Obviously, Jokic isn't going anywhere," Amico reported. Jokic being untradable is quite obvious. He's a generational talent and, unless Nico Harrison is involved, those types of players don't get dealt without forcing a trade. Aaron Gordon has been brilliant in his role alongside Jokic and the squad. Outside of that duo -- and maybe Christian Braun -- any Nuggets player should be available for trade. With a fresh head coach and general manager, Denver shouldn't be scared to make moves if it means more of a chance to compete with Jokic in his prime.
Forbes
9 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Cason Wallace Will Be The Next Breakout Star The Thunder Produce
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 18: Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder finishes a slam ... More dunk during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the midst of a dominant march to the NBA Finals, posting the best net rating by a Finals team since the superteam 2016-17 Golden State Warriors. And if you thought the Thunder were too much to handle right now, this postseason has proved that they still have another future star waiting to burst onto the scene. Cason Wallace didn't amaze anyone with his playoff debut last season. However, he was just a rookie, and he's bounced back in an incredible way this go around. Despite the Thunder adding Alex Caruso this offseason (a move that would figure to cut into Wallace's minutes), Wallace has played more minutes per game this postseason (22.4) than he did last (19.8). Wallace is one of the many formidable perimeter defenders on the Thunder's roster. During the regular season, he placed in the 92nd percentile in Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus (per Dunks & Threes). In their second round matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Wallace did nearly as good of a job guarding Jamal Murray as his All-Defensive Team mentor, Luguentz Dort. According to matchup data, Murray shot 38.1% from the floor on field goals where Dort was his primary defender and 40.7% on ones where Wallace was shadowing him. The difference is Wallace is a much better offensive player. So, it is harder for defenses to ignore him on the other side of the ball than it is with Dort. Wallace has a better pedigree as a shooter – he's a career 38.9% 3-point shooter (Dort is only at 36%). Wallace is also a better passer and more capable of putting the ball on the floor and attacking the rim (see chart below). Wallace's ability to defend at a high level while also still providing value on the offensive end makes him an immensely valuable player to this current iteration of the Thunder, as evidenced by his being first on the team (by a mile) in playoff on-off rating (+18.3 per 100 possessions). Whether it be Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, or Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have a history of acquiring (mainly via the draft) and developing star players under the watchful eye of general manager Sam Presti. Drafted tenth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wallace has (in my opinion) the best chance of all of the Thunder's current young talent at being next in this lineage of success. Between his blend of quickness and strength on defense, his promising shooting indicators, and his untapped potential (Wallace is only 21) as an independent scorer and playmaker, Wallace has drawn comparisons to Jrue Holiday – a six-time All-Defense selection and two-time All-Star. More than his personal accolades (which he should probably have more of, by the way), Holiday has a long-standing history of making whatever team he's on way better when he's on the floor. Last season, his first season with the Boston Celtics, Holiday had an on-off rating of +10.8 per 100 en route to the 2024 NBA Championship. During Holiday's championship run with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, his team was +14.8 points better per 100 when he was on the floor than when he was on the bench. For reference, those marks are higher than the on-off splits from Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo during those two respective runs. That's how impactful Holiday's two-way value was to his teams. Even if he doesn't reach the heights Holiday did in his prime, I could easily see Wallace following in the footsteps of Andrew Nembhard (an incredible perimeter defender who consistently makes winning plays and provides secondary creation) – another plus-minus God. In any event, these playoffs have shown us just how good Wallace is right now and how he can be even better in the future.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nikola Jokic names an unlikely NBA legend as his favorite player growing up: "No one could guard him"
During his childhood, Nikola Jokic found inspiration in the talents of his fellow European NBA stars. Their influence is evident in his playing style, which reflects European basketball's most notable characteristics—efficiency and intelligence over flashiness. However, "Joker" surprisingly revealed that his all-time favorite player was not someone who played in a style similar to his own or even in the same position. While he admired many NBA superstars during his formative years, Jokic pointed out that it was Tracy McGrady who stood out as his No. 1 idol. Advertisement "When I was growing up, Peja Stojakovic and [Vlade] Divac were in the NBA. There's also Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, all those guys," the Denver Nuggets star center said on the team's" "Road to Gold" documentary. "Well, there's Kobe Bryant, LeBron James... But I have to say Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, I love Tracy McGrady, I think he was a very talented player," Jokic added. "He was unique, no one could guard him. I never mentioned him, but let's say Tracy McGrady." Who Jokic admires in today's NBA The NBA has been home to an overwhelming number of exceptional players, making it no surprise that young Jokic, like many aspiring basketball stars, had several idols growing up. While he has always admired T-Mac, the Serbian big man once emphasized that LeBron James is the player he believes every aspiring NBA player should aspire to emulate. Advertisement Jokic explained that James embodies the very essence of what it means to be a great player. His remarkable consistency and high level of performance over an extended period set a standard that few can match. For "Joker," Bron's dedication, skill, and impact on the game are a guiding light for young athletes aiming to make their mark in the NBA. "Nobody in the near future will do what he did," the three-time MVP once said of James. "It's a great accomplishment, of course. I think the guy didn't have a prime, he's been in his prime for 20 years. It's something that not a lot of people can do in a sport. If you wanna have an idol or someone to look up to, because the guy is always leading and playing consistently for 20 years, winning championships, and MVPs, he's the guy you look up to." Jokic has carved out his own legacy In conclusion, Jokic was undoubtedly influenced by various contrasting NBA superstars. Each of these icons left an imprint on his approach to the game, but rather than just imitating them, Jokic embraced those influences and forged his own unique identity in the game. Advertisement Jokic has crafted a legacy that stands apart from those who inspired him. Today, he is not only considered one of the greatest players of his generation, but he has also become an idol to many aspiring athletes and fans alike. Jokic's otherworldly skill set, combined with his distinct personality, has garnered admiration from sports fans all over the world. People celebrate his achievements and the authenticity he brings to the game, making him a true representation of greatness in the NBA. Related: Hardaway says Jokic is dominating without needing the spotlight: "Jokic is like, 'I don't want that. I'm just gonna do the job for the team that pays me"
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Nuggets coach David Adelman wants his team in tip-top condition and open to ideas
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman, right, argues for a call with referee James Capers (19) in the first half of Game 3 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman, center, argues for a call with referee Tyler Ford, left, as Nuggets trainer Dan Shimensky, right, comes over to stop him in the first half of Game 4 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman, left, confers with guard Jamal Murray as he sits on the scorer's table during a break in play in the first half of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman directs his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman directs his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman, right, argues for a call with referee James Capers (19) in the first half of Game 3 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman, center, argues for a call with referee Tyler Ford, left, as Nuggets trainer Dan Shimensky, right, comes over to stop him in the first half of Game 4 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman, left, confers with guard Jamal Murray as he sits on the scorer's table during a break in play in the first half of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman directs his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray was located in the back of the room and so he heard the message first-hand from new Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman. Same with Julian Strawther, who took a seat in the front row. For the players not in attendance at Adelman's introductory news conference Wednesday, a quick recap: Adelman wants everyone in even better condition and open to new ideas come training camp. Advertisement Because the Western Conference won't be getting any easier, Adelman insisted. It's up to the Nuggets to adjust behind a roster that revolves around three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Adelman wants his players to have a big voice, too, just like they did after he took over following the firing of coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with three games left in the regular season. "New ideas are good ideas,' Adelman said. 'I have to give them something to come back to that excites them." Adelman earned the promotion from interim to full-time head coach after a postseason run that saw the Nuggets get to a Game 7 against Oklahoma City in the second round before being knocked out of the playoffs. This with a thin bench and an injury-hampered starting five. Now, the work begins to put his own stamp on directing the Nuggets. He's gathered a wealth of knowledge through an array of NBA coaching mentors such as his father Rick Adelman, Sam Mitchell, Frank Vogel, the late Flip Saunders and, of course, Malone. Advertisement 'Very prepared,' Adelman said of his level of readiness. "When you're around those people and you see how they run their business and their process, it's kind of a cheat code." Fitness, Adelman maintained, will be a key to a fast start — and health come playoff time. 'Teams that get off to great starts usually at the end of the year have the best chance of being healthy in these big games,' explained Adelman, who's working on rounding out his coaching staff. 'But, yeah, that will be the expectation to come back in much better shape." One of the areas the Nuggets aim to address in the offseason is depth. The Nuggets ran out of steam in the Thunder series after beating the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games to advance out of the first round. Advertisement 'Can they achieve that (championship goal) as currently constructed? I think the answer, as (Jokic) said after the playoffs, and it was obviously no," Kroenke Sports & Entertainment vice chairman Josh Kroenke said. "So we need to take a hard look at how we can raise our ceiling going forward, whether that's internally or externally. 'If you look at the teams still playing ... with a little bit of help, maybe a little bit of luck, maybe it could be us. But it's not. We're very conscious of that and how we need to go about improving.' Kroenke shocked the league last month when he fired Malone, the winningest coach in franchise history, and Booth after they helped bring home the franchise's first NBA title in 2023. It was Kroenke's way to rejuvenate the team's energy heading into the postseason. Next up for Kroenke, hiring a new GM. For now, Ben Tenzer is overseeing the role on an interim basis. Advertisement The plan, Kroenke said, is to bring bring Adelman into the GM process at some point. 'The input will be relatively minimal," Kroenke said, "because what I'll be looking for is cohesion between those two." Added Adelman of the GM: "This business is about cohesion. It's all about just moving forward and winning. That's it. It's not about finding your best friend.' The Nuggets don't have a pick in the upcoming NBA draft. It may prove challenging to add depth without breaking up the core of Jokic, Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun. That's where Denver's youth factors in and improvement from the likes of Strawther, Peyton Watson, Jalen Pickett and DaRon Holmes II, a first-round selection last year who tore an Achilles tendon in NBA Summer League. Advertisement 'We're hungry to get better,' Strawther said. 'It's all fuel to the fire." As for the style of play, Adelman will add some wrinkles but defense will always be an important principle. 'We have to get back to being an execution-based team," Adelman said. "If that takes away some of our pace numbers, or whatever the analytics want to say, I think that's OK if it wins you a game in May, as opposed to playing a game in December. 'The majority of the time, if you want to win big, you've got to play slow. You've got to be efficient. You've got to be clean. So that will be things we'll talk about throughout the summer, going to training camp." ___ AP NBA:
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Brodie Behaviour: Nuggets' Russell Westbrook Reveals He Played Through 2025 NBA Playoffs With Broken Hand
Last Updated: Russell Westbrook, Denver Nuggets guard, had surgery for two breaks in his right hand: an injury he incurred during the NBA Playoffs. You can love him or hate him, but one can never deny Russell Westbrook. The Denver Nuggets guard proved his grit and never-say-die dedication to the game, as he himself broke news of undergoing surgery on Tuesday to repair two breaks in his right hand that he incurred playing through the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets, at the end of their season, were gassed, gobbled up by injuries — Aaron Gordon played on one leg — and saddled with depleted depth. Still, they made it deep into the playoffs, all the way into Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the roaring OKC Thunder, to be exact, where they ultimately were outdone by the brilliance of the SGA-led squad in a 125-93 romp. Westbrook, who was seen playing through the playoffs with heavily bandaged fingers, confirmed everyone's suspicions, revealing that he had indeed played through with injury. Just saw this in my Word of Westbrook newsletter from this morning after seeing reports on Westbrook is having surgery on his right hand to fix two breaks that happened this season. Played through a broken hand. — Katy Winge (@katywinge) May 27, 2025 'I'm grateful for everyone's support all year, and I can't wait to be back out there at 100% soon," the veteran said in a statement posted to X by The Athletic. 'The comeback is already in motion." Westbrook, 36, said the injury occurred during the 2024-25 season. His fingers were heavily taped during Denver's playoff run, which ended on May 18 with a six-game series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. A nine-time All-Star and the 2016-17 league MVP, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games (36 starts) in his first season with the Nuggets. The two-time NBA scoring champion boasts career averages of 21.2 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.0 rebounds in 1,237 games (1,075 starts) with the Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Nuggets. Westbrook has a player option for 2025-26 that carries a $3.47 million cap hit. He is the all-time leader in triple-doubles (203) and ranks eighth in NBA history in assists (9,925) and 23rd in points (26,205) but is still seeking his first championship. First Published: May 28, 2025, 20:24 IST
