Depth pieces! Depth pieces galore! Could the Denver Nuggets enter the fray in the AD sweepstakes? Should the New Orleans Pelicans even entertain the idea? Let’s take a look at their five best assets, ranking them in reverse order.
The Denver Nuggets are fresh off their most productive season since the George Karl/Carmelo Anthony era. They were just one game away from competing in the Western Conference Finals, ultimately falling short to the Trailblazers in Game 7 of the second round. Could they reflect on the season they had and come to the conclusion that they need an additional superstar to reach that next level? If so, there’s a disgruntled star with the New Orleans Pelicans who they could add to construct a formidable frontcourt duo with.
When you think of hypothetical suitors in an Anthony Davis trade, the Denver Nuggets may not appear in your initial train of thought. Teams such as the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers all can (and have in the case of the Lakers) present the Pelicans with appealing packages filled with potential star power.
With names like Jayson Tatum, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Jaylen Brown, and R.J Barrett all in trade talks—it’s understandable to neglect the Monte Morris‘ and Malik Beasley‘s of the world. Well, I’m here to tell you to stop it. The Denver Nuggets actually have a quite appealing package to offer the Pelicans if they feel like they could convince Davis to stay long-term in Denver.
And now, without further adieu, let’s take a look at the starting five in terms of Nuggets assets.
Honorable Mention- Torrey Craig
Craig’s defense in the second round of the playoff against Damian Lillard almost got him a spot on this list, almost. Unfortunately for him, he does not compare against the younger assets the Nuggets possess. Craig just concluded the second year of his career, yet is already 28-years-old. He brings high energy and infectious passion on the court, but his career stats of 5.2 points on just 31.7 percent from the perimeter limit his efficiency as a “3 and D” type player. He would be acceptable in a trade haul for Davis, just is not ideal.