Columnist Troy Renck’s conclusion when watching the last few days unfold is that the Nuggets’ margin for error is gone. Poof. The salary cap is punitive.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth stand side by side before Nikola Jokic is awarded the Michael Jordan Kia MVP trophy before the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. That is the reality clobbering this franchise over the head as an expensive team dealing with a suffocating new collective bargaining agreement.
The Nuggets are taking a long, hard look at Clippers guard Russell Westbrook and will likely sign a backup for Nikola Jokic. I can hear eyes rolling when that sentence is read aloud. Westbrook is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, who has mercifully accepted life as a role player, caffeinating a second unit with his drives to the basket and energy. He is also someone who doesn’t space the floor because he is a dreadful 3-point shooter — yet somehow attempted 154 last year.
This feels more like a wish than an expected result. And hope, as the Rockies show us six days a week, is not a strategy. It also demands that the wrinkles that have become visible over the last calendar year get ironed out. Booth and Malone talked like they were in alignment at the end-of-year presser, but this season sets up as a referendum on the pair’s partnership. It is easy to say the right things, but actions will articulate who is on board with the vision. Will Booth look to upgrade during the season for a push even as prospects make progress? Will Malone play Westbrook 35 minutes a night out of spite?
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NBA Legend The Denver Nuggets Must ConsiderI believe the Denver Nuggets should consider signing Russell Westbrook.
Read more »
Nikola Jokic Pushing Denver Nuggets to Acquire Russell WestbrookDenver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic wants Russell Westbrook on the team
Read more »
Wendy's giving Denver Nuggets draft pick free spicy nuggets for a yearDenver sent four draft picks to Phoenix to select the 6-foot-10 forward from Dayton.
Read more »
Renck vs. Keeler: If Russell Westbrook replaces Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the Nuggets roster, is that a win for Calvin Booth? Is it a win for Nuggets fans?If the Nuggets end up with Russell Westbrook following the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Orlando, will it be an upgrade?
Read more »
Keeler vs. Renck: Are the WNBA, Indiana Fever failing Caitlin Clark by allowing cheap shots?Remember The Jordan Rules, my friend? It might be time for The Caitlin Rules.
Read more »
Renck: Broncos center Alex Forsyth honors his father’s legacy as he pursues starting center jobFormer Oregon standout Alex Forsyth has turned tragedy into triumph with his work on and off the football field
Read more »