Five steps Denver Nuggets need to take to become a NBA championship contender (Part 1)
During the 2010-11 regular season, Denver Nuggets finished at the 5th spot in the Western Conference and made their way into the playoffs. However, the Nuggets were ejected from the contention 4-1 in the first-round
of the postseason by the fourth seeded Oklahoma City Thunder with.
That however doesn’t mean that the Nuggets don’t have the potential to make it big. In fact the roster has some players like Arron Afflalo, Nene Hilario and Ty Lawson, who have the fire power to make big plays for Denver. All the
Nuggets required at the moment are to make some smart moves in signing and re-signing of the players and they will surely become true contenders of the title one day.
By bringing in a player, whom the Nuggets could rely on during the clutch situations and couple of veterans, Denver definitely take their game to another level and jump in the list of the top contenders in their conference with
the help of these inclusions.
Below are the top five recommendations for the Nuggets in order to become the true competitor for the title fight.
1. Lock Nene Hilario for long-term
The 29 year old centre has the height and the size that adds more vigour to his play. Nene, also known as “The Brazilian Beast” among his fans and team-mates, possesses the pace and sturdiness that a centre requires to defend against
the Bigs of the league. It was because of these fine qualities, Hilario was able to earn this nickname.
Nene’s career average is 12.3 points per game, but in the last season he was close to beat his previous scoring average during a single season, when he tallied 14.5 points, clutched 7.6 rebounds and provided two assists in every
game.
This depicts the effectiveness and calibre of the player, who has skills to pull up a solid effort from both ends of the court. The Nuggets shouldn’t forget his healthy contributions and should try re-signing the 6 ft. 11 by offering
him a multi-year deal. Since league is short on such centres which can match the size and playing skills of Hilario.
2. Re-Hire Arron Afflalo
Arron Afflalo joined the Nuggets back in 2009-10 season and quickly became the permanent member of the playing team. Afflalo is a jack of all and master of none, as he contributes in almost every way, but does nothing special or
stunning.
His shooting is decent but doesn’t wreck many points usually. Rated as a good defensive player, but when it comes to making steals, you’ll find him short. Afflalo possesses a 42 percent shooting average from beyond the arc, but
still not considered as long range shooter.
However, his stats are not that bad, as he achieved his highest scoring average during a single season. Afflalo made 12.6 points, clutched 3.7 rebounds and provided 2.4 per game in the preceding season with the Nuggets.
Players like Afflalo, who are not considered as specialists, still are of great value to their teams, as they play vital roles during the game and help their squad look like a true contender for the championship.
With the time Afflalo will definitely turn into a brilliant player, as experience helps a lot in tweaking a players’ game. So the Nuggets should also re-sign a contract with the skilful player in order to march toward the NBA championship.
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