Denver Nuggets
Much like how the Miami Heat got better at the NBA trade deadline, the Denver Nuggets made a significant move themselves by going out and trading for Aaron Gordon from the Orlando Magic. Not only is Gordon a fantastic secondary talent on the offensive-end of the court, but he will fill a void left behind by Jerami Grant at the forward position.
The Nuggets are really starting to regret giving up Jerami Grant in the offseason, especially after the breakout year he has had with the Pistons, which is why they made the move to trade Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton and a first-round pick for Gordon. It was clear the Nuggets needed another versatile forward that can guard multiple positions and play off-the-ball offensively, and they got it.
After just making the Western Conference Finals last season and Nikola Jokic playing at a MVP-level this season, the Nuggets front-office believed that they were just one piece away from making the NBA Finals last season, which is why Aaron Gordon could have a huge impact on their championship chances this season. The Nuggets will certainly be a team to watch as a result.
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In 25 games with the Magic this season, Aaron Gordon averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and shot 37.5% from three-point range. With Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Will Barton all being high-level scorers on the offensive-end of the court, the addition of Aaron Gordon not only gives the Nuggets yet another weapon to utilize on offense, but makes their starting rotations one of the most athletic and tallest starting rotations in the league.
The Nuggets, when healthy, have a top starting rotation and a strong bench, which is exactly why they could be a sleeper team to watch in the Western Conference come playoff time. The Nuggets currently the 5-seed in the West, but nobody really talks about the Nuggets as a championship contender, which is why they could slip under-the-radar and make it back to the Western Conference Finals with a chance to reach the NBA Finals for the first-time since 1976.
