RealGM

Over the last 5 games, the Nuggets are 4-1 and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. With just 5 games left in the season, it looks as though GK has a rotation in place that should continue through to the First Round of the Playoffs. Here are the minutes that have been distributed over the last 5 games:

C - Koufos - 15, McGee - 20, Mozzy - 8, Harrington - 5
PF - Faried - 26, Harrington - 17, Gallo - 5
SF - Gallo - 27, Brewer - 21
SG - Afflalo - 37, Miller - 11
PG - Ty - 31, Miller - 16

Whether or not Wilson Chandler will be available and healthy, I think GK is best leaving him sit. In the 8 games he did play, he looked rusty, and obviously had minimal practise time to gel with the group. Having Birdman on the bench is a bonus, because if we face the Lakers/Spurs, we will need big bodies and fouls.

I think the X-Factor of the First Round could be Brewer. Over the Nuggets last 7 wins, Brewer is shooting 56% from the field, is taking fewer three point attempts, is averaging 2.3 asts, 1.6 stls and 10.4 ppg off the bench, (50% of his total points scored have been in the 4th qtrs).

i agree, that is a solid rotation that has worked. I think wilson has just become a player we no longer need, if brewer can develop a jumper over the summer than there is no need to keep chandler. hopefully we move him for a draft pick and pick up two talented young guys. Karl really has his hands full with this team. There are guys that should be playing more but haven't. Also you need to consider who we matchup against in the playoffs. If we play the lakers, you might see more minutes for mcgee and less for faried.

How has Javale Mcgee been for you guys?

truwizfan4evr wrote:How has Javale Mcgee been for you guys?

From what i've seen of him, nothing really special.

I seriously think the guy struggles with the Denver altitude, he does have asthma, and inhales before he subs in, but he clearly has difficulty running up and down the court. He is an athletic freak, and can usually dunk lobs with ease, but put him in the post and its either a turnover, an attempted skyhook, and/or a quick baseline spin move. The guy gets blocked so many times.

Hes not a fantastic rebounder (only 2 double digit rebounding games), but can block shots (9 games with 2 or more blks). Shoots a high FG% because most points scored are dunks. He sometimes is in no mans land and looks confused on defense. Oh and he's a terrible FT shooter, so he wont see any crunch time mins in the Playoffs.

Im not sure he's exactly what Denver want long term, but if he's willing to play off the bench for reasonable cash, then yeah sign him. I think though with some help in the off season on his post game, FT shooting and boxing out, he could be a great addition.

Most teams trim their rotations in the playoffs. You sure the Nuggets are going to stick with ten guys?

It'll probably stay at 9 guys. Karl wont play all three centers, unless we're playing the Lakers. Mozgov likely the odd man out.