2009-10 Denver Nuggets Predictions

Written October 26, 2009 by Steve Janus

The Denver Nuggets took some huge steps in the right direction last year, including finally finding someone to dump Allen Iverson to in the Detroit Pistons, plus picking up Chauncey Billups in the process. The addition of Billups elevated the play of superstar Carmelo Anthony and eventually helped land the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the eventual NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers will again be the biggest obstacle for Denver to make it to the Finals, but with Billups ready for his first full year with the team, you can at least expect to see them in the post season again in the 2009-10 season. The Nuggets are the favorites out of the Western Conference’s Northwest Divsion, with the NBA odds to win the Championship from BetUS placing them at +1400 to win the title.

Backcourt – Chauncey Billups almost immediately became this team’s leader on offense, at least in terms of directing the plays and shutting down opposing point guards. Shooting guard J.R. Smith looks to be the everyday starter for the Nuggets, that is, after he serves a 7 game suspension for a reckless driving incident in 2007, which resulted in the death of one of Smith’s passengers. Smith has been working out with Billups in the off-season and has been quoted saying that Smith has the potential to be one of the best guards in the league. Newcomer, Arron Afflalo will also see some playing time at shooting guard and will be the starter while Smith serves his suspension.

Frontcourt – Carmelo Anthony is the most dynamic player on the court for the Nuggets, and while he put up just 22.8 points per game, he finished the playoffs averaging 27.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. With a full season alongside Billups you can expect Melo’s overall numbers to rise this season. Kenyon Martin has been a workhorse for the Nuggets and adds some attitude to the team’s defense. Martin averaged 11.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game last season and Denver can likely count on that kind of production again this season. One of the most pleasant surprises for the Nuggets had to be Nene (Hilario) stepping in and being a forceful center after the release of Marcus Camby. The 6′ 11″ 250-pounder posted career highs in points (14.6), rebounds (7.8). and minutes (32:36) last season and his inside defense was one of the primary reasons for Denver’s success last year. If Nene can continue to develop he can help this team back into the Western Conference Finals in 2009-10.

Summary - Expectations will be high for the Nuggets after a very impressive 2008-09 campaign, but they have all of the right pieces of the puzzle in place. Denver’s bench isn’t particularly deep, though Chris “Birdman” Andersen provides some enthusiasm for the fans and his team when he steps on the court, however their starting five are among the best in the NBA. The Nuggets won’t have it easy with Utah and Portland both looking to get their shot at the West, but if Denver’s starters can stay healthy they are still the favorites out of the Northwest.

Prediction: 55-27, 1st Northwest Division

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