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The Denver Nuggets didn’t improve as much as they’d hoped under new head coach Mike Malone. The young team struggled to just 33 wins, but like all young teams came away with positives despite the results. These are the 5 biggest.
5. The D.J. Augustin Trade
Credit: Getty Images5. The D.J. Augustin Trade
The Nuggets thought they were swapping one slumping guard for another when they picked up D.J. Augustin. They got much more than that, as the veteran averaged 11.6 points and 4.7 assists on 41.1 percent from three in 28 games.
4. Rebounding Advantage
Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports4. Rebounding Advantage
One of the Nuggets' few strengths was their rebounding, led by Kenneth Faried. They were fifth in offensive rebound rate, 10th in defensive rebound rate, and ninth in total rebound rate.
3. Joffrey Lauvergne's Improvement
Credit: Getty Images3. Joffrey Lauvergne's Improvement
Joffrey Lauvergne's minutes and production increased in his second season. He scored 7.9 points and grabbed 4.9 rebounds in 17.6 minutes, vast improvements over his rookie year. If his defense improves, he'll be a dependable rotation player.
2. Will Barton Became A Legit Sixth Man
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports2. Will Barton Became A Legit Sixth Man
Will Barton took his career to another level, and became one of the league's best bench options. He averaged career highs in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, and 3-point shooting.
1. Nikola Jokic Was The Best Rookie Not Named Towns Or Porzingis
Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports1. Nikola Jokic Was The Best Rookie Not Named Towns Or Porzingis
Towns and Porzingis got all the headlines as rookies, but if Jokic had scored more and played for a different team perhaps everyone would know his name too. He had an incredible season, leading all centers in RPM with a PER of 21.5.
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