Defensive Impact
The Denver Nuggets had one of the best differentials in the NBA, finishing 6th in the league. Their offensive rating was seventh, while their defensive rating was 12th. Kyle Lowry would help that defensive rating into the top-10, pushing the team toward elite on both ends of the court.
Lowry has been a tenacious defender throughout his career. Despite going on 35-years old, he can still get it done on that end of the court. His ability to draw offensive fouls is among the best in the league and can set the tone at the point of attack.
This is where his presence would help Denver the most, as they need some defensive-minded players in their starting five. While the overall team rating was solid, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic definitely earned their keep offensively.
Adding Kyle Lowry in a sign-and-trade would allow the Denver Nuggets to hide Murray a little more defensively. He wouldn’t be tasked with defending the opposing team’s top-scoring perimeter threat, enabling him to save some of his energy for the offensive side of the ball.
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Having a player you know that can matchup up with the opponent’s best perimeter player is helpful to get to the finals. The Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks both have one in Chris Paul and Jrue Holiday; Lowry would give one to Denver.
