Race for the 8th seed

[Powder Blue]

I know there are mixed opinions about getting the 8th vs a mini-tank but I think we'd all agree ending up 9th would be the worst.

The Pelicans are going to be gunning hard at us now and we have 3 games (2 Home) against them. Also have 3 against Sac which got much easier.

The Plumlee move I consider a now/future move if he's resigned. I wonder if TC can pull off one more to steer this team firmly one of two ways.

[NuggetsWY]

Playoffs - Tie-breakers

New Orleans - Nuggets 1-0 with 2 home games & 1 away game waiting
3/26 Home
4/4 Away
4/7 Home
New Orleans may now be harder to hold off - but remember Cousins will probably miss 2 or 3 games due to technical fouls. Every other technical will result in a suspension.

Sacramento - Nuggets 0-1 with 1 home game & 2 away games waiting
2/23 Away
3/6 Home
3/11 Away
Probably out of the running now

Portand - Nuggets 1-2 with 1 away game waiting
3/28 Away
My choice for 8th place

If the Nuggets make another decent trade, they could increase their chances. Plumlee, if they resign him, could be a good long-term Nugget. Will another trade benefit this year and the future?

[The Rebel]

We are 3 games up in the loss column from the Pelicans for the 8th seed, so it will depend heavily on how quickly and how well they gel.

Personally I have been on the boat to trade some of the veterans, and now I am even more on that boat. If it works in NO than we will have trouble getting that 8th seed even if we get a guy like Paul George as this team just does not have the fire power developed to go out and win at a 50+ game pace that it will take to stay ahead of New Orleans or try to catch up with the Thunder.

A year of development by the young guys should put this team in a much better position to compete long term and will allow us to see what holes need filled and what these guys potential should really look like.

[NuggetsWY]

We are 3 games up in the loss column from the Pelicans for the 8th seed, so it will depend heavily on how quickly and how well they gel.

Personally I have been on the boat to trade some of the veterans, and now I am even more on that boat. If it works in NO than we will have trouble getting that 8th seed even if we get a guy like Paul George as this team just does not have the fire power developed to go out and win at a 50+ game pace that it will take to stay ahead of New Orleans or try to catch up with the Thunder.

A year of development by the young guys should put this team in a much better position to compete long term and will allow us to see what holes need filled and what these guys potential should really look like.

Sounds like you're drinking my kool-aid of "youth, play youth" - don't do it. It's a very difficult addiction to over-come, once you're hooked.

[GlenRiceARoni]

It's going to be very difficult for the pelicans to gain enough ground with so few games remaining.

First of all the Nuggets are probably going to go like 15-10. They are playing great and just upgraded with plumlee.

Not to mention a few opponents will tank or rest players if they have comfortable playoff positioning already.

Also this is a weird lineup for the pelicans that will take time to resolve itself. They aren't Gonna come out smashing teams. This isn't like adding durant or Chris Paul all the sudden.

They'd have to go 18-7 to pass Denver if they go 15-10.

That's equivalent to a 60 win championship level team pace.

Can you even name the 4th best player on the pelicans? Most championship caliber teams have very good role players who have been in the system several years


My Jokic Progression Signature
-2014 2nd Rd Draft Pick
-2016 All ROOK 1st Team
-2017 All NBA 3rd Team
-2018 All NBA 2nd Team
-2019 All NBA 1st Team

[NuggetsWY]

It's going to be very difficult for the pelicans to gain enough ground with so few games remaining.

First of all the Nuggets are probably going to go like 15-10. They are playing great and just upgraded with plumlee.

Not to mention a few opponents will tank or rest players if they have comfortable playoff positioning already.

Also this is a weird lineup for the pelicans that will take time to resolve itself. They aren't Gonna come out smashing teams. This isn't like adding durant or Chris Paul all the sudden.

They'd have to go 18-7 to pass Denver if they go 15-10.

That's equivalent to a 60 win championship level team pace.

Can you even name the 4th best player on the pelicans? Most championship caliber teams have very good role players who have been in the system several years

It will be difficult for the Pelicans to catch the Nuggets, that's why I still believe in the Trailblazers as our worst opponent. However, if the Pelicans can get Cousins to fit in, they could actually catch the Nuggets.

I think it unlikely the Nuggets actually win more than half their remaining games, not much more anyway - at least not without the right trade. The 4th best player on the Pelicans? There are too many options. They now have 3 talents and some pieces, but that's better than the Nuggets actually. I agree the Pelicans aren't championship material and I do believe the Nuggets are better, or could be. (My old "Malone's rotation" topic.) Even so, I'm with you, I think the Nuggets can hold off the Pelicans.

It'll be fun to watch the Pelicans now! Anthony Davis: great talent, great attitude --- can he make a difference with Cousins? DeMarcus Cousins: great talent, lousy attitude - more's the pity because his attitude problem seems to stem from his extreme desire to win and his frustration with not winning.

[Shady Franchise]

Does this mean Nelson is starting ROS, or does Mudiay still have a shot in the starting lineup? I'm intrigued by your depth!

[NuggetsWY]

Does this mean Nelson is starting ROS, or does Mudiay still have a shot in the starting lineup? I'm intrigued by your depth!

Who are you asking?
I think Nelson has made it clear that he wants playing time but hasn't complained about coming off the bench.
I think it's clear that Malone prefers Nelson with Barton as his backup.
I think I've made it clear on the Nuggets' board that I prefer Nelson as our 3rd string PG.

[psimanic1]

It's our place to lose so, if we finish 9th, it won't be because Cousins is in NOP now, but because we made wrong moves at deadline and we are not good enough for 8th seed..

[Shady Franchise]

Does this mean Nelson is starting ROS, or does Mudiay still have a shot in the starting lineup? I'm intrigued by your depth!

Who are you asking?
I think Nelson has made it clear that he wants playing time but hasn't complained about coming off the bench.
I think it's clear that Malone prefers Nelson with Barton as his backup.
I think I've made it clear on the Nuggets' board that I prefer Nelson as our 3rd string PG.

Ok. That actually does help clarify things. I was asking for insight on Malone's thoughts, considering the playoff push and getting the young guys experience in that atmosphere. Thanks.

[The Rebel]

It's going to be very difficult for the pelicans to gain enough ground with so few games remaining.

First of all the Nuggets are probably going to go like 15-10. They are playing great and just upgraded with plumlee.

Not to mention a few opponents will tank or rest players if they have comfortable playoff positioning already.

Also this is a weird lineup for the pelicans that will take time to resolve itself. They aren't Gonna come out smashing teams. This isn't like adding durant or Chris Paul all the sudden.

They'd have to go 18-7 to pass Denver if they go 15-10.

That's equivalent to a 60 win championship level team pace.

Can you even name the 4th best player on the pelicans? Most championship caliber teams have very good role players who have been in the system several years


My Jokic Progression Signature
-2014 2nd Rd Draft Pick
-2016 All ROOK 1st Team
-2017 All NBA 3rd Team
-2018 All NBA 2nd Team
-2019 All NBA 1st Team

The Nuggts are 16-15 since December 15th, now they went 1-3 in the games that Jokic did not play in that time, so they are 15-12 with Jokic in the starting center position and playing out of his mind, but I think it is pretty optimistic to say that the Nuggets are probably going 15-10. Even if they stay at their current pace of 55.6% they will be lucky to go 14-11 which would put the Pelicans having to go 17-8 at best and is only a 56 win pace, not that out of line if those guys gel quickly. Looking at the schedule I would say it is much more likely that the Nuggets go 13-12, and the Pelicans do have a chance of going 16-9 and it comes down to tie breakers, as there is no reason that the Pelicans should not be winning at a 50 win pace, and with the injuries catching up to the Nuggets they are going to struggle to stay over 500 through the end of the season.

[The Rebel]

We are 3 games up in the loss column from the Pelicans for the 8th seed, so it will depend heavily on how quickly and how well they gel.

Personally I have been on the boat to trade some of the veterans, and now I am even more on that boat. If it works in NO than we will have trouble getting that 8th seed even if we get a guy like Paul George as this team just does not have the fire power developed to go out and win at a 50+ game pace that it will take to stay ahead of New Orleans or try to catch up with the Thunder.

A year of development by the young guys should put this team in a much better position to compete long term and will allow us to see what holes need filled and what these guys potential should really look like.

Sounds like you're drinking my kool-aid of "youth, play youth" - don't do it. It's a very difficult addiction to over-come, once you're hooked.

I have been very clear that I think 1 of Barton/ Nelson/ Mudiay one of Gallo/Chandler, and one of Faried/ Arthur need to be moved with another young SF brought in and let the young guys lead the bench and earn starters minutes. Nothing I have seen the last couple of weeks has me changing that.

[NuggetsWY]

I have been very clear that I think 1 of Barton/ Nelson/ Mudiay one of Gallo/Chandler, and one of Faried/ Arthur need to be moved with another young SF brought in and let the young guys lead the bench and earn starters minutes. Nothing I have seen the last couple of weeks has me changing that.

Yes you have.

[SoCalNuggsFan]

It's going to be very difficult for the pelicans to gain enough ground with so few games remaining.

First of all the Nuggets are probably going to go like 15-10. They are playing great and just upgraded with plumlee.

Not to mention a few opponents will tank or rest players if they have comfortable playoff positioning already.

Also this is a weird lineup for the pelicans that will take time to resolve itself. They aren't Gonna come out smashing teams. This isn't like adding durant or Chris Paul all the sudden.

They'd have to go 18-7 to pass Denver if they go 15-10.

That's equivalent to a 60 win championship level team pace.

Can you even name the 4th best player on the pelicans? Most championship caliber teams have very good role players who have been in the system several years


My Jokic Progression Signature
-2014 2nd Rd Draft Pick
-2016 All ROOK 1st Team
-2017 All NBA 3rd Team
-2018 All NBA 2nd Team
-2019 All NBA 1st Team

The Nuggts are 16-15 since December 15th, now they went 1-3 in the games that Jokic did not play in that time, so they are 15-12 with Jokic in the starting center position and playing out of his mind, but I think it is pretty optimistic to say that the Nuggets are probably going 15-10. Even if they stay at their current pace of 55.6% they will be lucky to go 14-11 which would put the Pelicans having to go 17-8 at best and is only a 56 win pace, not that out of line if those guys gel quickly. Looking at the schedule I would say it is much more likely that the Nuggets go 13-12, and the Pelicans do have a chance of going 16-9 and it comes down to tie breakers, as there is no reason that the Pelicans should not be winning at a 50 win pace, and with the injuries catching up to the Nuggets they are going to struggle to stay over 500 through the end of the season.

I think it's pretty likely NO will struggle a bit over the next couple weeks. Not only will Boogie and AD have to figure out how to gel, the coaching staff will have to figure out how to implement an offense to suit each of them. You saw how clunky the nuggets looked in the first game trying to work plumlee in.

Also worth noting that their starting wings will be etwaun Moore and Quincy pondexter for the rest of the year.

[RRFB]

It sucks to think about how many wins the Nuggets just gave away in November/December. If they manage to hold on to even half of all those awful losses, they're in great shape to keep that 8th seed.

I agree with those saying it'll take Cousins and AD some time to figure it out. But as much as I'd like to see the Nuggets finish 8th, a Pelicans/Warriors matchup would be really interesting.

[nymets1]

Nuggets have no shot at the 8th seed, They have no shot at holding off the Pelicans. Its just a matter of time before the Pelicans clinch the 8th seed or better. To say we are starting Jameer now over Mudiay because we're going for the 8th seed is ignorance thinking you can beat out the Pelicans. Not happening

[MHZ]

Nuggets have no shot at the 8th seed, They have no shot at holding off the Pelicans. Its just a matter of time before the Pelicans clinch the 8th seed or better. To say we are starting Jameer now over Mudiay because we're going for the 8th seed is ignorance thinking you can beat out the Pelicans. Not happening

Come on, now. You're smarter than that. You've got to dig deeper than just saying AD stats + Cousins stats = Amazing team.

To say the Pelicans experiment is without risk, especially as a midseason move to completely overhaul their team, is incredibly naive. It's two guys who basically play the same position, with Jrue Holiday and very little else around them.

There are plenty of scenarios where they don't finish this year above Denver. I'd argue safe money is they don't, especially with the 4th hardest schedule in the league the rest of the way.

One way or another, they'll be fun to watch, and well worth the risk for NO.

[pelifan]

I don't think it's guaranteed the Pelicans pass the Nuggets, but you gotta understand this team has essentially been a .500 ball club since Jrue's return and now you are adding Cousins to that. Nuggets may be able to hold off the Pelicans as they have a decent enough lead and are hot right now, but they aren't a better team than New Orleans.

I do think the Nuggets put a lot of pressure on NO if they play better than .500 basketball and I don't think the Pelicans will catch them if that's the case. But I think it's not very reasonable to give POR a better shot at the 8th than the Pelicans, feels a little like denial to me.

[skywalker33]

Nuggets have no shot at the 8th seed, They have no shot at holding off the Pelicans. Its just a matter of time before the Pelicans clinch the 8th seed or better. To say we are starting Jameer now over Mudiay because we're going for the 8th seed is ignorance thinking you can beat out the Pelicans. Not happening

Come on, now. You're smarter than that. You've got to dig deeper than just saying AD stats + Cousins stats = Amazing team.

To say the Pelicans experiment is without risk, especially as a midseason move to completely overhaul their team, is incredibly naive. It's two guys who basically play the same position, with Jrue Holiday and very little else around them.

There are plenty of scenarios where they don't finish this year above Denver. I'd argue safe money is they don't, especially with the 4th hardest schedule in the league the rest of the way.

One way or another, they'll be fun to watch, and well worth the risk for NO.

Disagree, trolls rarely are smart, it's part of the nature to be moronic in their efforts.

I do agree this will be a good race. We have better balance they have two superstars .

[MHZ]

I don't think it's guaranteed the Pelicans pass the Nuggets, but you gotta understand this team has essentially been a .500 ball club since Jrue's return and now you are adding Cousins to that. Nuggets may be able to hold off the Pelicans as they have a decent enough lead and are hot right now, but they aren't a better team than New Orleans.

I do think the Nuggets put a lot of pressure on NO if they play better than .500 basketball and I don't think the Pelicans will catch them if that's the case. But I think it's not very reasonable to give POR a better shot at the 8th than the Pelicans, feels a little like denial to me.

You'll recall Jokic has only really started at C for a month and a half now, so I can just as easily say the same about the Nuggets.

We have no clue what this Pelicans team is yet, and adapting to adding in Cousins to AD is not something I expect to be done overnight, even if it completely works. I'd still expect growing pains. These guys aren't used to playing together. Add in the Pelicans have a very tough schedule.

The Nuggets are far from world-beaters, so I'm not saying anything definitive. I'm just scoffing at the notion because the Pelicans have a better 2K team, they're a lock to leap the Nuggets. Fun times ahead. I genuinely hope the Pelicans approach works out. Love a team bucking the small ball trend and doing it a different way.