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EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
NIKOLA JOKIC — When a 3-time MVP has his best season, and certainly one of the TOP10 individual seasons ever seen in NBA history as the only one ever to manage to be in the TOP3 in points, rebounds, and assists (+steals), it's something special!
CHRISTIAN BRAUN — When a 22-year-old 7th man on a team is promoted to a starter, of course, his stats and numbers will increase. But for his points (or steals) to more than double, and for example, his TS% to go from 55% to 66%, that's much more than the improvement that was expected (and verified in the playoffs).

EXPECTATIONS MET
AARON GORDON — He is the workhorse of this team in the best sense of the word, he is equally dedicated even though he is at the very beginning of his new 4-year contract, and he even managed to significantly improve the main flaws from the previous season (FT% and 3p% percentages).
RUSSELL WESTBROOK — I know some had higher expectations for the former MVP and future HoF, but he managed to have a better season at 36 than he did at 35. Even his worst 10 seconds in Denver when he ruined overtime against Minnesota turned into a happy ending (costing Malone his job).

NOT MEET EXPECTATIONS
JAMAL MURRAY — At the beginning of the season, we even feared that he would be permanently lost as an elite player due to injuries, fortunately, he regained a good level, but not "playoff-Murray" all-star level, and the question is whether we will ever see him like that again.
MICHAEL PORTER Jr. — He played another season good enough to almost justify a max contract, but the postseason was a disaster. In fact, it was so bad that it is partly a good thing because we know that it was really a nasty injury to be blamed and not a decline.
PEYTON WATSON — Just as Brown didn't get a big enough role and minutes last season, so he didn't progress despite his talent, Malone didn't give young Watson a chance this season, so he wasn't as useful to us in the playoffs as he could have been, given his MPJ injury
JULIAN STRATHER — See above! (although he had lower expectations than Watson, so he was on the verge of entering the "met expectations" group)
THE REST OF THE BENCH — Although the expectations were minimal, they didn't manage to meet those either, and the biggest disappointment is Saric, since the others didn't get any opportunities

THE J0KER wrote:EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
NIKOLA JOKIC — When a 3-time MVP has his best season, and certainly one of the TOP10 individual seasons ever seen in NBA history as the only one ever to manage to be in the TOP3 in points, rebounds, and assists (+steals), it's something special!
CHRISTIAN BRAUN — When a 22-year-old 7th man on a team is promoted to a starter, of course, his stats and numbers will increase. But for his points (or steals) to more than double, and for example, his TS% to go from 55% to 66%, that's much more than the improvement that was expected (and verified in the playoffs).

Jokic is probably the best center in the history of the NBA -- although there have been some great ones, so I won't argue the point because they all had a different style, different skills.

Braun proved himself IMO. Everyone looks better playing with Jokic, but some players just fit perfectly with him. Murray, Gordon and Braun seem like they know how to play with Jokic.

EXPECTATIONS MET
AARON GORDON — He is the workhorse of this team in the best sense of the word, he is equally dedicated even though he is at the very beginning of his new 4-year contract, and he even managed to significantly improve the main flaws from the previous season (FT% and 3p% percentages).
RUSSELL WESTBROOK — I know some had higher expectations for the former MVP and future HoF, but he managed to have a better season at 36 than he did at 35. Even his worst 10 seconds in Denver when he ruined overtime against Minnesota turned into a happy ending (costing Malone his job).

Gordon is perfect for playing next to Jokic.

Westbrook willingly sacrificed his game for the team. I have no issue with him being on the Nuggets. I loved his time with Jokic, of course. But I believe they should make him the bench captain. Let him help the younger players develop and control the bench offense.

NOT MEET EXPECTATIONS
JAMAL MURRAY — At the beginning of the season, we even feared that he would be permanently lost as an elite player due to injuries, fortunately, he regained a good level, but not "playoff-Murray" all-star level, and the question is whether we will ever see him like that again.
MICHAEL PORTER Jr. — He played another season good enough to almost justify a max contract, but the postseason was a disaster. In fact, it was so bad that it is partly a good thing because we know that it was really a nasty injury to be blamed and not a decline.
PEYTON WATSON — Just as Brown didn't get a big enough role and minutes last season, so he didn't progress despite his talent, Malone didn't give young Watson a chance this season, so he wasn't as useful to us in the playoffs as he could have been, given his MPJ injury
JULIAN STRATHER — See above! (although he had lower expectations than Watson, so he was on the verge of entering the "met expectations" group)
THE REST OF THE BENCH — Although the expectations were minimal, they didn't manage to meet those either, and the biggest disappointment is Saric, since the others didn't get any opportunities

Murray playing the two-man game with Jokic is probably the best offense in the NBA today. If something works, just keep hammering the other team with it -- like Stockton & Malone. The Jazz in that era were a little boring to watch -- but it worked! Add Gordon running the baseline and Braun diving towards the bucket, that offense is virtually unstoppable. Who's the 5th man? Whoever wants to run and cut and do back picks!

Porter is an excellent 5th man for the Nuggets-Jokic -- but only about one third of the time. IMO he would work nicely off the bench with Westbrook. He'd probably be the top bench scorer.

The rest of the bench, as The Joker said, was not developed or used much. They seemed to play as if they were afraid they would be bench if they took too many shots -- or something like that.

THE J0KER wrote:EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
NIKOLA JOKIC — When a 3-time MVP has his best season, and certainly one of the TOP10 individual seasons ever seen in NBA history as the only one ever to manage to be in the TOP3 in points, rebounds, and assists (+steals), it's something special!
CHRISTIAN BRAUN — When a 22-year-old 7th man on a team is promoted to a starter, of course, his stats and numbers will increase. But for his points (or steals) to more than double, and for example, his TS% to go from 55% to 66%, that's much more than the improvement that was expected (and verified in the playoffs).

Surely, Jokic should have won his FIFTH MVP award, (thank you RIGGED NBA !), having his best season ever. Booth fell so short of adding talent, keeping Cap room as well as cashing out TOO many draft assets while Malone dug in his petty ego towards developing rookies. Really CB is the only young player who has shown promise, he's better than KCP was, has great defense and has fould a role in within the team. And CB is gonna wanna get paid soon, we're gonna have to do something soon. Definitely a Keeper if we can ( need to trade Nnaji if this is to happen ).

THE J0KER wrote:EXPECTATIONS MET
AARON GORDON — He is the workhorse of this team in the best sense of the word, he is equally dedicated even though he is at the very beginning of his new 4-year contract, and he even managed to significantly improve the main flaws from the previous season (FT% and 3p% percentages).
RUSSELL WESTBROOK — I know some had higher expectations for the former MVP and future HoF, but he managed to have a better season at 36 than he did at 35. Even his worst 10 seconds in Denver when he ruined overtime against Minnesota turned into a happy ending (costing Malone his job).

AG is the epitomy of a Jokic balancer, he fills in the holes where Joker needs him to be. He can facilitate , he is the 2nd most important player on this team. He scores, rebounds and plays Defense (can he be more intensified ?) but also plays a big leadership role. WB, he's fit in to the team better than expected, adds intensity and this is one of the best opportunities to win a Championship, which I believes he deserves. Needs to play within the system but has shown he can, but does need to work on his efficiency (shooting) to do this. I would like him to pick up his PO, but he can be replaced IMO.

THE J0KER wrote:NOT MEET EXPECTATIONS
JAMAL MURRAY — At the beginning of the season, we even feared that he would be permanently lost as an elite player due to injuries, fortunately, he regained a good level, but not "playoff-Murray" all-star level, and the question is whether we will ever see him like that again.
MICHAEL PORTER Jr. — He played another season good enough to almost justify a max contract, but the postseason was a disaster. In fact, it was so bad that it is partly a good thing because we know that it was really a nasty injury to be blamed and not a decline.
PEYTON WATSON — Just as Brown didn't get a big enough role and minutes last season, so he didn't progress despite his talent, Malone didn't give young Watson a chance this season, so he wasn't as useful to us in the playoffs as he could have been, given his MPJ injury
JULIAN STRATHER — See above! (although he had lower expectations than Watson, so he was on the verge of entering the "met expectations" group)
THE REST OF THE BENCH — Although the expectations were minimal, they didn't manage to meet those either, and the biggest disappointment is Saric, since the others didn't get any opportunities

Murray had his best scoring year, but to me that isn't a tale-tell on his season. He went on to exclaim a Title run next year, is he growing up....probably not but he definitely has the talent to make an All-Star team. He has to be the first guy to turn into a consistent performer, but will he ? If he could play a consisten 70+ games and score 25+ per game (just 4ppg above this season's average) he'd be the player we expected drafting at the 7th lverall pick. Remember he is oly 27yo. MPJ is the guy I love to hate. He had THREE 30pgs this season then disappeared into oblivion, especially going into the playoffs. To me, it feels like he is comfortable with his role as 3rd option, I think he's be better as the 2nd option which may be in conflict with Murray's 2-man game with Jokic (if this could be corrected, we could have a dynasty we all want). He CAN FLAT OUT SCORE, when he's motivated and comfortable , but that's the dilemma, getting him comfortable in a role where his scoring feels natural. Malone never featured him, again, that's on Malone not being adaptable. Feel s to me like Strawther needs another LV mini-camp, he dominated last year, shows the capacity to deliver off the bench, just needs to regain health and confdence I could easily see 14-16Pts off the bench given the trust, fill in as a starter when needed. IMO, Watson could be trade bait. He has shown talent on the defensive end of the court, but need to refine his shot. Malone has to be responsible for this deficiency but it's never been his forte'. If he could work on his 3-pt , I'd be much happier.

As for the rest of the rest of the bench, DaRon has the BEST chance to make an impact on this team. He has scoring potential, versatality as he can spell both AG and Joker, playing along side either. Never liked the Pickett selection, but when he got some mins, he proved me a wrong, he has some scoring acumen. Think he could be an adequate backup for Murray. I also like PJ Hall and Trey Alexander. both showed strong promise in the G-League. Nnaji is overpaid but is only 24yo, IF we could trade him that could be huge else another who has talent but needs to be developed IMO.

Say goodbye to Vlatko and Jordan, both good guys but not the youth or talent this team needs.

Also, heard Bruce Brown may want to come back, Man, could he helps us win a 2nd Championship, MAKE IT HAPPEN !1