Denver Nuggets

Former NBA coach cautions the Denver Nuggets about challenges posed by Western Conference improvements during free agency.

Published

5 days ago

July 3, 2024

It’s no secret that various teams in the Western Conference are bolstering their rosters through free agency this offseason. This development has prompted former NBA coach George Karl to caution the Denver Nuggets to either keep pace with these changes or risk falling behind.

The previous season posed challenges for the Nuggets, who entered as defending champions following their inaugural NBA title win the year before. Despite facing tough competition, Denver secured their sixth consecutive playoff appearance, demonstrating resilience and skill.

A highlight of the season was center Nikola Jokic earning his third MVP award in four years, solidifying his position among the league’s elite players. The Nuggets’ playoff journey was also notable, highlighted by their first-round victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and an exciting semifinal matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Nevertheless, the Nuggets’ season ended in disappointment as they let slip a 20-point lead in Game 7 against the Timberwolves, marking the first time in NBA history a team lost a series-deciding game after holding such a substantial halftime advantage. Despite this setback, the 2023-24 campaign underscored the ongoing development and improvement of the Nuggets’ key players.

Despite not having coached an NBA team in recent years, Karl has consistently shared his thoughts on the sport periodically. Most recently, he issued a warning to Denver via a tweet on his official X account, urging them to elevate their game.

“A bunch of Contenders are getting better. Your move, Nuggets,” Karl tweeted.

Over the past few weeks, numerous Western Conference teams have bolstered their rosters for the upcoming season, highlighted by the Dallas Mavericks’ acquisition of Klay Thompson as a standout example. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets experienced a setback in free agency, losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic.

The future strategy of the Nuggets in response to these developments remains uncertain. Without significant moves, they could struggle in a conference that is increasingly filled with talent and competitiveness.