3 Different Starting Lineups The Nuggets Could Use For The 2024-25 NBA Season

The Denver Nuggets had an excellent run to the 2023 championship two seasons ago thanks to the superstar play of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray and a stacked depth chart. Two years later, key players such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Bruce Brown, and Jeff Green are no longer on the roster meaning the Nuggets had to desperately sign former MVP and veteran point guard Russell Westbrook this summer. Looking ahead to 2024-25, the Nuggets can employ three different starting lineups in their bid to win another title.

Starting Lineup No. 1: Playing It Safe

Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic

The "Playing It Safe" lineup features a combination of seasoned experience and youthful energy with Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon , and Nikola Jokic. This configuration is the Nuggets' tried-and-true setup, one that has brought them considerable success in recent seasons with Braun stepping in for the departed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Jamal Murray, returning to peak form, provides scoring and playmaking from the point guard position, while Christian Braun, with his defensive tenacity and emerging offensive skills, complements Murray well. Michael Porter Jr. , with his length and shooting prowess, offers a significant threat from beyond the arc, stretching defenses and creating space.

Aaron Gordon, a versatile forward, adds an element of athleticism and defensive grit, often taking on the toughest defensive assignments. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively as a cutter and finisher is invaluable. At the center, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic orchestrates the offense with his unparalleled passing, scoring, and basketball IQ. Jokic’s ability to see the floor and make plays for his teammates keeps defenses on their heels and opens up opportunities for everyone else on the court.

Statistically, this lineup has been one of the most effective for Denver. During the 2023-24 season, led by their five starters (including Caldwell-Pope) for most of the season, the Nuggets posted a fourth-highest net rating (+5.4), fifth in offensive rating (118.5), and eighth in defensive rating (113.0), showcasing their dominance on both ends of the floor.

Jokic’s averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game were complemented by Murray’s 21.2 points and 6.5 assists, forming a dynamic duo that can both score and facilitate. The stability and chemistry of this lineup make it a reliable choice for Coach Michael Malone, especially in high-stakes games, because we are assuming Christian Braun can step in for the departed Caldwell-Pope.

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Starting Lineup No. 2: Pushing The Pace

Russell Westbrook, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic

The "Pushing The Pace" lineup introduces Russell Westbrook into the mix, alongside Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic. This lineup is designed to up the tempo and apply relentless pressure on opposing defenses. Russell Westbrook, despite being in the later stages of his career, remains one of the league’s fastest and most aggressive point guards. His ability to push the ball in transition, attack the rim, and create opportunities for his teammates can ignite the Nuggets' offense.

The Nuggets ranked 27th in pace last season (96.8), so utilizing Westbrook's energy and speed could boost that number into the middle of the league at least. Jamal Murray slides to the shooting guard position, where his scoring prowess can be maximized without the primary playmaking duties. Murray's ability to shoot off the dribble and from catch-and-shoot situations makes him a lethal scoring option.

Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon continue to provide their scoring and defensive versatility, with Porter Jr.’s shooting (39.7% 3-PT FG in 2023-24) and Gordon’s athleticism being key assets in a faster-paced system. Jokic remains the anchor, orchestrating the offense and serving as a trailer who can knock down threes, facilitate, and score in the post.

This lineup leverages Westbrook's playmaking (4.5 assists per game in 11 starts in the 2023-24 season) and transition game to complement Jokic’s half-court brilliance. Westbrook’s dynamic style could also benefit Porter Jr., who thrives in open space and fast-break opportunities. However, the challenge will be balancing the pace and maintaining defensive integrity. When deployed effectively, this lineup can overwhelm opponents with its speed and relentless attack, making it a potent weapon in the Nuggets' arsenal.

Starting Lineup No. 3: Going Bigger

Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Zeke Nnaji, Nikola Jokic

The "Going Bigger" lineup shifts the strategy to a more physical and imposing setup with Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Zeke Nnaji, and Nikola Jokic. This lineup is designed to dominate the paint and control the boards. Jamal Murray continues to handle point guard duties, with his scoring and playmaking remaining crucial. Michael Porter Jr. moves to shooting guard, where his height (6'10") and shooting ability can create significant mismatches against smaller guards.

Aaron Gordon and Zeke Nnaji form a formidable frontcourt alongside Jokic. Gordon’s athleticism and defensive versatility allow him to guard multiple positions, while Nnaji provides additional size and rebounding prowess. Nnaji, at 6'9", has shown flashes of being a reliable inside presence and can stretch the floor with his developing three-point shot. This lineup aims to overpower opponents with its size, dominate the boards, and control the pace of the game by leveraging their physical advantages.

In terms of impact, this lineup’s success hinges on their ability to impose their will in the paint. During the 2022-23 season, Jokic led the NBA in triple-doubles, highlighting his all-around impact. The addition of Nnaji could bolster the Nuggets' rebounding, as he averaged 2.2 rebounds in 9.9 minutes per game of action.

The defensive potential of this lineup is also noteworthy, with Gordon and Nnaji providing strong interior defense and Jokic's improved positioning and awareness. This bigger lineup could prove especially effective against teams with dominant frontcourts, providing a strategic advantage in matchups where physicality and size are paramount.

Which Lineup Should The Nuggets Use?

Playing It Safe: The “Playing It Safe” lineup should be the Nuggets’ go-to choice for its balance of offense, defense, and chemistry. Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic have demonstrated their ability to work cohesively, with Jokic at the helm as the primary playmaker and scorer. The familiarity and proven success of this lineup, evidenced by a net rating of +10.5 during the 2022-23 season, make it the most dependable option for Coach Michael Malone. This lineup excels in both half-court and transition play, providing a solid foundation for the Nuggets to build upon in critical moments of the game.

The “Pushing the Pace” lineup ranks second due to its potential to inject energy and speed into the game. Introducing Russell Westbrook alongside Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic can transform the Nuggets into a high-octane offense. Westbrook’s ability to drive the pace and create scoring opportunities in transition complements Murray’s shooting and Jokic’s playmaking. However, the challenge lies in maintaining defensive discipline and ensuring that the increased pace does not lead to turnovers or rushed plays. This lineup is best utilized in scenarios where the Nuggets need to disrupt the opposition's rhythm or when they face teams that struggle against fast-paced offenses.

The bigger lineup should be used last. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Zeke Nnaji, and Nikola Jokic offer a physical and imposing presence that can dominate the paint and control the boards. This lineup is particularly effective against teams with strong frontcourts or in games where the Nuggets need to assert their dominance inside. While it provides significant defensive and rebounding advantages, the potential trade-offs in terms of speed and perimeter defense make it less versatile than the other two lineups.

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