DENVER — The general manager of the Denver Nuggets, Calvin Booth, had significant objectives leading up to the trade deadline, particularly aimed at securing another center or frontcourt player to support superstar Nikola Jokic. However, those plans did not come to fruition, as the team ultimately decided against making any adjustments to a roster built around their three-time NBA MVP. While other teams in the Western Conference, such as the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, made notable moves, the Nuggets chose to maintain their current lineup.
“We either needed to make a significant move or stand pat,” Booth stated the night before the Nuggets’ game against the Orlando Magic. “We certainly had interest in several players on the market and believed we were close to finalizing a couple of deals. However, whether it was that other teams presented better offers or we didn’t think it was wise to part with our assets, a combination of factors left us where we are.”
Currently, the Nuggets are looking at relying on 36-year-old DeAndre Jordan, alongside Zeke Nnaji or Dario Saric, to fill the gap when Jokic needs some rest. In playoff situations, Aaron Gordon, who is grappling with a calf injury at the moment, is likely to step up in that capacity. “If Aaron stays healthy, I think our backup center situation will be manageable,” Booth remarked. “However, it is a concern I have.”
Another pressing issue for the Nuggets is their overall depth. According to Booth, they possess about six or seven players who consistently play at a starting level. “After that, we experience a significant drop-off. It is not meant as a slight to anyone, but those top six or seven players have performed exceptionally well,” Booth explained.
He further clarified that if the Nuggets had engaged in a major trade move, it would have involved a rotational player rather than one of their key stars, such as Michael Porter Jr., who had been rumored to be in trade discussions. “We were not close to making any trades involving our main rotation,” Booth noted. “Any potential moves would have been centered around players like Dario or Zeke and repurposing some of our draft assets to enhance the lineup rather than trading away one of our larger names like Mike.”
The focus for the team now revolves around maintaining player health, especially with Russell Westbrook sidelined due to a hamstring issue and Peyton Watson out with a knee injury. Furthermore, Jamal Murray skipped the Thursday game due to inflammation in his left knee. “We have a lot of players who are nursing various injuries and cycling in and out of the roster,” stated Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “But this is our team moving forward. The trade deadline has passed; now everyone can relax and concentrate on the challenges ahead.”
