Renck: The Nuggets’ season expired in the second round for the second straight year, and the posture of boss Josh Kroenke thus far is to follow former general manager Calvin Booth’s plan. Blend in young players with a core four that the franchise wants to keep together longer than the Beatles. Contrast that with the Avs, who were given permission to execute an HGTV makeover … only to result in a first-round exit. Sean, who is in a worse position to maximize their championship window moving forward?
Keeler: The Nuggets were playing with house money last month. The Avalanche bet the farm — and lost. Avs management and Avs fans should be angrier. Because they were closer, despite that first-round exit. Even with a bunch of pieces potentially moving, they’re still closer. Let’s put it this way: If Colorado got past Dallas, this thing might’ve kept rolling for a while. The Avs had an excellent chance, on paper, of doing to Winnipeg what the Stars did (Dallas won in six). They more than matched up, also on paper, with the Oilers. The Nuggets, meanwhile, would’ve landed Minnesota in the conference finals. And we know how that chapter would’ve ended.
Renck: The Nuggets are stuck. They provided Michael Porter Jr. a max contract under different CBA rules. Now, he is viewed as untradeable until he has an expiring contract in the 2026-27 season. Plus, the Nuggets are showing signs of age. Do we really think that Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are going to get healthier as they get older? The Avs have more flexibility to make moves, and a full season with trusted goalies will help facilitate a better start. But the most important strategy is to manipulate their seeding because every time Jared Bednar faces the Stars’ Pete DeBoer, it is guaranteed disappointment.
Keeler: The greatest danger the Nuggets pose to themselves is treating that OKC series as evidence of how “close” they really are. I mean, sure — great effort. Some good game plans. Some serious toughness all-around, especially on Aaron Gordon’s part. But they need to heed the advice of the best player in the world, who also doesn’t mince words. Nikola Jokic said this roster, as constructed, wasn’t deep enough to reach the NBA Finals. He’s right. Are you going to act on that assessment? Or just give it lip service?
Renck: At this point, it would be comical, if not reasonable, for the Nuggets to lean into their past. Why not just sign guard Bruce Brown and center Mason Plumlee and call it good? It seems misguided, but if Denver is going to run it back, run it all the way back. To 2023, to 2020, and beyond. Then replace Believe with Nostalgia on the playoff towels. So, yeah, the Avs are closer to a title.
Keeler: Love me some Brucey B, but he’s probably too expensive. Monte Morris, anyone? I even got a note over the weekend pitching for the return of Gary Harris. Can anyone talk Will Barton out of retirement? We kid, but the Nuggets’ cap situation isn’t just comical. It’s borderline tragic. There’s just no room to sign the kind of players in slots 6-9 on your bench who can match the Thunder’s reserves. Which means what you’ve got on hand either has to be swapped out for another wave of rookies — or the current second unit has to get a lot better. Like Christian Braun better. Right now.
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