{"id":98086,"date":"2024-09-28T10:36:44","date_gmt":"2024-09-28T14:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=98086"},"modified":"2024-09-28T10:36:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-28T14:36:44","slug":"nuggets-keys-keep-championship-window-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/28\/nuggets-keys-keep-championship-window-open\/","title":{"rendered":"Nuggets\u2019 Keys To Keep Championship Window Open"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Denver Nuggets have been the gold standard in the Northwest Division for the last six years. In the Western Conference, they\u2019ve become one of the most formidable teams to face, their hopes carried on the broad shoulders of three-time MVP selection Nikola Jokic<\/a>. A wild card with an unstoppable offensive game, Jokic has already led the Nuggets to one NBA championship. In 2023, the franchise secured their first title after going 53-29, taking down top-notch teams in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

But time waits for no man.<\/p>\n

Jokic is now entering Year 10 of his historic career. In February, he\u2019ll turn 30 years old. Realistically, Jokic\u2019s game will age well because it\u2019s predicated on skill rather than athleticism. So, he should be able to play at a high level for several more years.<\/p>\n

However, bodies begin to break down over time and Jokic wasn\u2019t exactly a physical specimen to begin with. Furthermore, Jokic\u2019s world doesn\u2019t revolve around basketball. His growing family and maybe even horses are more important to the international superstar.<\/p>\n

So, how much longer will Denver\u2019s championship window remain open<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Nuggets\u2019 Keys To Keep Championship Window Open<\/h2>\n

\u201cIn a best-case scenario, I think Nikola has a prime 10-year contention window,” says Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth, per ESPN reporter Baxter Holmes. \u201cI think we’re about halfway through it. So, we probably have about five more similar shots and all the shots count.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hit one of them, that’s great\u2026 but it’s going to be incredibly hard to win another one.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Assuming Booth is right, the Nuggets\u2019 window will remain open until around 2030. If so, Jokic\u2019s current running mates \u2014Jamal Murray<\/a>, Michael Porter Jr.<\/a>, and Aaron Gordon<\/a> \u2014will be essential to their mission. Like Jokic, it isn\u2019t just their games that matter, they\u2019ll all have to manage their bodies to ensure that their window doesn\u2019t close early. If they can\u2019t, they may not get to finish the journey together.<\/p>\n

To that point, Murray has missed at least 20 games in four of the last five seasons. He missed the entirety of 2021-22 with an ACL injury. Porter\u2019s back almost sounds bionic the way his friends describe it<\/a>, adding a sense of awe to the fact that he\u2019s still a feared scorer. Still, the concerns about his durability are real. The wrong type of fall or landing could have a significant impact on his future.<\/p>\n

Gordon has been more or less healthy throughout his career. However, he\u2019ll be on the wrong side of 30 starting next season. As a player whose game is heavily dependent upon his athletic capabilities, this is a matter of concern. With that being said, there are certainly ways he can stave off the natural effects of aging.<\/p>\n

Speaking of their play, Porter stepping up and diversifying his offense could make them the team to beat out West. Jokic and Murray are both dynamic scorers, particularly in the postseason. In the regular season and beyond, Porter should look to make dream of being a 20-points-a-night guy a reality.<\/p>\n

\n

Michael Porter Jr: \u201cThere\u2019s no reason why I can\u2019t take my 17 points per game to 20.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) September 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n