Detroit Pistons vs. Denver Nuggets 2019-20 preview
Nuggets offseason changes
Denver’s roster was gridlocked overall, making one key change. The Nuggets decided to let Lyles and Tyler Lydon walk to make a trade for a defensive guru.
The Nuggets traded a 2020 1st round pick for Jerami Grant, who took a significant step forward in his fifth NBA season. He cracked the Oklahoma City Thunder’s starting lineup, starting 77 games, and maintaining a plus-11 net rating.
Grant, 25, hit a career-best 39.2 percent of 3-point attempts. He’ll need to maintain a consistent 3-point shot to go with his solid rim-running ability.
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He’s made a career out of his defensive ability, carrying a career 0.8 defensive box plus-minus. He plays hard, attacking closeouts and protecting the rim.
Grant pairs nicely with a Nuggets team that prides itself on defense. Playing behind Millsap will give teams a difficult time scoring in the frontcourt and make it more difficult to secure rebounds.
Michael Porter Jr. could be an x-factor for the Nuggets. The 21-year-old redshirt rookie was the 14th pick of the 2018 NBA Draft but missed the 2018-19 season with a back injury.
After missing Summer League, he is expected to be ready to go for training camp. The 6-foot-10 forward can shoot from the perimeter, slash to the basket and guard multiple positions. He could provide quality depth on the wing and be a tough matchup for opponents on the bench.
Denver also added Bol Bol in the draft and signed him to a two-way contract.