A year after achieving their historic first NBA Championship, the Denver Nuggets faced a disappointing end to their season, bowing out in the Western Conference Semifinals.
This shortfall has intensified the pressure on team executive Calvin Booth and head coach Mike Malone to devise a strategy that will propel the Nuggets back into championship contention.
The core of the Nuggets’ roster remains robust, with star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray anchoring the team. Michael Porter Jr. also continues to be a key part of Denver’s plans.
However, potential roster changes are on the horizon. One significant factor is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s pending player option, which, if exercised, could see him enter free agency, thereby impacting the team’s lineup dynamics significantly.
Before turning their attention to the complexities of NBA free agency, the Nuggets must focus on the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, set to begin on June 26. Denver holds the 28th pick in the first round and the 56th overall pick on Day 2, June 27.
Predicting draft outcomes, particularly for late first-round picks, is always a challenge. Despite this uncertainty, there is considerable speculation that the Nuggets have already identified their preferred prospect.
ESPN’s NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony has reported that the Nuggets are expected to select Dayton big man DaRon Holmes II. This expectation is prevalent across the league, with many NBA teams believing that Denver has made a pre-draft promise to Holmes.
Givony explains, “Most NBA teams are operating under the assumption Holmes has received a promise from the Nuggets, although it is possible the team might attempt to trade down a few spots into the second round to draft him for financial reasons. Holmes canceled a half-dozen workouts shortly after the NCAA withdrawal deadline, with several smoking guns pointing in Denver’s direction, a scenario that is similar to what we saw play out last year with Jalen Pickett.”
The concept of pre-draft promises is a well-known narrative in the NBA. However, the widespread knowledge of Denver’s draft intentions adds an intriguing twist.
This situation raises questions about whether the information was strategically leaked by the Nuggets to heighten interest in Holmes, ensuring that another of their targets remains available at the 28th pick. Alternatively, it might reflect Denver’s genuine enthusiasm for Holmes’ potential contribution to the team.
As the draft and subsequent free agency period approach, these events represent critical opportunities for the Nuggets to strengthen their roster.
With their championship window still open, Denver’s front office and coaching staff must navigate these pivotal moments with precision, aiming to build on their recent success and pursue another deep playoff run.
