The Denver Nuggets are entering the 2024-25 season looking to bounce back after a heart-wrenching Game 7 collapse at home in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves . After finishing the regular season with a 57-25 record, good for second in the West, the defending champions handled the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs but were unable to defend their title. Despite retaining their MVP centerpiece, Nikola Jokic, and their core group of stars, the Nuggets lost key role players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson.
Nevertheless, the Denver Nuggets remain one of the top teams in the NBA, and with a few offseason additions, they hope to mount another deep playoff run. Let’s break down their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Jamal Murray
Reserves: Russell Westbrook, Trey Alexander, Jahmir Young
Jamal Murray is back as the starting point guard and remains the perfect partner for Jokic, forming one of the most dangerous pick-and-roll duos in the NBA. Murray had arguably his best regular season yet, averaging 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 42.5% from three-point range. His sharp shooting and clutch play in the playoffs have made him invaluable to Denver’s success. Murray also received a contract extension this offseason, a clear sign the Nuggets want to keep their star guard long-term.
Behind Murray, the Nuggets made a notable addition in Russell Westbrook , who joined the team after being waived by the Clippers. Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season while shooting 45.4% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range. While Westbrook is no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was, his experience and energy as a backup could give the Nuggets a valuable spark off the bench.
Trey Alexander and Jahmir Young will provide additional depth at point guard, with both players developing behind the veterans.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Christian Braun
Reserves: Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, Spencer Jones
With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope no longer with the team, Christian Braun is expected to take over the starting shooting guard role. Braun, who played primarily off the bench last season, averaged 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 46.0% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range. Braun’s defensive versatility and three-point shooting will be crucial as he steps into a more prominent role. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down shots will help fill the void left by KCP.
Behind Braun, Julian Strawther and Jalen Pickett will compete for minutes. Strawther brings shooting and scoring ability off the bench, while Pickett offers versatility as a combo guard. Spencer Jones rounds out the group, providing additional shooting and depth.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Michael Porter Jr.
Reserves: Peyton Watson, Hunter Tyson, Gabe McGlothan
Michael Porter Jr. continues to thrive as the Nuggets’ third offensive option, and he’s arguably one of the best third options on any team in the league. Last season, Porter Jr. averaged 16.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. Known for his elite scoring and floor-spacing, Porter Jr. will take on even more responsibility this season with KCP gone. His ability to score efficiently from anywhere on the floor makes him a crucial part of Denver’s offense.
Peyton Watson will continue to provide depth at small forward, bringing defensive versatility and athleticism off the bench. Hunter Tyson and Gabe McGlothan add further depth and will likely compete for minutes as young, developing players.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Aaron Gordon
Reserves: Dario Saric, Vlatko Cancar, Jaylin Williams '00
Aaron Gordon has solidified himself as one of the best defensive forwards in the NBA, with the ability to guard multiple positions and provide scoring when needed. Last season, Gordon averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 55.6% from the field. His role as a defender and secondary playmaker is vital to the Nuggets’ success. However, his three-point shooting dipped to 29.0%, and improving that will be a focus for him this season, especially as Denver looks for more consistent spacing with KCP gone.
Behind Gordon, the Nuggets brought in Dario Saric to provide veteran experience and floor spacing at power forward. Saric is known for his basketball IQ and ability to stretch the floor, making him a valuable piece in the rotation. Vlatko Cancar and Jaylin Williams '00 will compete for additional minutes, with both players offering versatility in the frontcourt.
Center (C)
Starter: Nikola Jokic
Reserves: Zeke Nnaji, DeAndre Jordan, PJ Hall
Nikola Jokic , the reigning MVP, continues to be the heart and soul of the Denver Nuggets. Jokic had another incredible season, averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game while shooting 58.3% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking is unmatched in the NBA, and he remains the focal point of the Nuggets’ offense and defense. Jokic’s ability to elevate his teammates and dominate the game from the center position makes him the best player in the world right now.
Behind Jokic, Zeke Nnaji and veteran DeAndre Jordan will provide depth at center. Nnaji offers athleticism and energy, while Jordan brings veteran leadership and rim protection. PJ Hall is a developmental big who will look to carve out a role in the rotation.
The Denver Nuggets are once again championship contenders, led by Nikola Jokic and a talented supporting cast that includes Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. The loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and other key role players means that the Nuggets will need to rely on younger players like Christian Braun to step up, but they have the talent to make another deep playoff run.
The addition of Russell Westbrook as a backup point guard provides valuable depth, and Dario Saric’s experience will be crucial in the frontcourt. If the team can stay healthy and avoid a collapse like the one they experienced last postseason, the Nuggets will once again be a formidable force in the Western Conference. With Jokic playing at an MVP level and their core intact, Denver has the tools to make another run at the NBA title.
Here are all the projected lineups we've done so far:
2024-25 Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Brooklyn Nets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Charlotte Hornets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Chicago Bulls Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup
Related: New Proposed Blockbuster Trade Sends Jimmy Butler To The Nuggets And Gives Them Instant Championship Boost
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