After Jason Kidd inside the Dallas side, it’s Mike Malone’s turn to announce on ESPN who will complete Denver’s starting outside line next season. And without much surprise, it would seem that the place is reserved for the name of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. We wouldn’t want to put pressure on the Nuggets, but if there’s a year where we’re going to have to ensure, it’s this one.
There were two things to remember from the Colorado franchise side of the night. First, the recent acquisition of the Cleveland racquet by Ismael Kamagate during the Summer League. And secondly, this announcement by Mike Malone who, interviewed by ESPN, therefore confides that he has made his choice when it comes to the person who will occupy the shooting guard spot. Abandoned since the departure of Will Barton for Washington in a trade which will have seen Monte Morris also sent to the capital, the post will therefore go to the one who had made the opposite trip: Ish Smith Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Statistically, the evolution is not obvious. Because while Will was filming this season in 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists per game in 44/37/80 at the Nuggets for 32 minutes of playing timeKCP accumulated 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 30 minutes average in 44/39/89. Dupond and Dupont you said? The two players, however, have a rather different profile. More versatile, Barton has helped Nikola Jokic a lot this season by compensating as best he could for the absences of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. on the offensive level. However, with the return of both men, the former Wizards fullback’s more 3-and-D profile was preferred. After seven years of good and loyal service, the most prolific 3-point shooter in franchise history is replaced by a fit more logical in Denver’s current roster, which Mike Malone does not fail to boast:
“KCP will immediately be called upon and become our 2nd incumbent position […] I think it’s one of the best five majors in the NBA. »
– Mike Malone
Now official, the news already allows us to anticipate the future starting lineup of the Nuggets: Murray-KCP-MPJ-Gordon-Jokic. You have to admit that it sucks. Add to that the revelation Bones Hyland, the punctual contributions of Demarcus Cousins, Jeff Green, Austin Rivers or even Bruce Brown Jr. and you get… a contender for the title? We must nevertheless remain cautious because many elements still remain to be verified. At what level will Jamal Murray, who has not played a single basket-ball game since April 12, 2021, and Michael Porter Jr, in difficulty during the few games played last year, return? Despite the arrival of Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope, will Denver’s defense live up to the franchise’s claims? Many uncertainties persist, but there are also great promises. Offensively, the Nuggets display a veritable armada, led by a reigning double-MVP that no one seems able to stop. Normally freed – we hope – from the constraints imposed by injuries, Mike Malone will be able to let his talent express itself, while having the possibility of finally resting his franchise player for future Playoffs (forbidden not to reach them) . Finally, because that’s also what we like, it shouldn’t be surprising to often find Niko’s band in the top 10 because the potential ” highlights of this team is rather strong.
Mike Malone told TV that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be the starting back for the Nuggets next season.
We are therefore getting closer to the 5 major Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon and KCP.
Huge potential on both sides of the pitch.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) July 11, 2022
While Nikola Jokic dances around a fire in the depths of the Balkans, next season is already beginning to take shape. Now complete with the arrival of KCP, the Nuggets’ five major is among one of the most attractive in the League, without a doubt. A wind of change is blowing across the Great Plains of Colorado, a wind of hope long awaited by fans. It is therefore necessary to do everything so that the time is… In short, it’s time to go get a title.
Source : ESPN