September 14th 2024.
Throughout NBA history, there have been several iconic dynasties built around a trio of star players. The Golden State Warriors had Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The San Antonio Spurs had Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. The Miami Heat had LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. And now, the Denver Nuggets have Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr.
With Jokic signed through 2027, Murray through 2029, and Porter Jr. through 2026, the Nuggets have secured their core for the foreseeable future. But while many are optimistic about the team's potential, there are also concerns about their ability to sustain success.
The recent news of Murray's four-year, $208.5 million extension has sparked a lot of discussion and debate among the basketball community. Some see it as a smart move by the Nuggets, while others have reservations about it. The Grading The Week crew, for one, has some concerns about the team's future.
However, before we dive into those concerns, let's first acknowledge the positives. One thing is for sure: Josh Kroenke, the Nuggets' owner, is a man of his word. He promised to lock Murray up after a disappointing playoff run and stayed true to his word. Despite Murray's underwhelming performance at the Summer Olympics with Team Canada, Kroenke never wavered in his commitment to the young guard.
Now, it's up to Murray to live up to the expectations that come with such a lucrative contract. With the team's championship window wide open, he needs to hold up his end of the deal. The pressure is on for him to stay physically and mentally prepared for the grueling postseason battles that lie ahead.
There's no denying that Murray is a talented player, but some have raised concerns about his consistency and ability to perform at a high level in the playoffs. However, the Nuggets' general manager, Calvin Booth, likely wouldn't have been able to find a player of Murray's caliber on the open market, given the team's limited cap space and future draft-pick assets.
That being said, it's worth noting that Murray is now the only NBA player starting the season with an average salary of over $50 million without ever being named an All-Star or making an All-NBA team. This raises some questions about whether he truly deserves such a hefty contract.
But regardless of any doubts or criticisms, one thing is clear: Jokic and Murray are the heart and soul of the Nuggets. They have led the team to multiple playoff series victories, two conference finals, and even an NBA title. Jokic is a rare talent, while Murray's partnership with him has proven to be a magical one.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Aaron Gordon. While Jokic and Murray are locked in for the long haul, the same can't be said for Gordon. With his contract expiring in 2025-26, speculation has begun about his future with the team.
Gordon has been a valuable addition to the Nuggets, filling in the gaps and complementing Jokic and Murray's strengths. But as we've seen in the past, teams that have won multiple titles usually have a third star to support their main duo.
Some have touted Porter Jr. as that third star, but others aren't so convinced. While he has shown flashes of greatness, he's still relatively unproven and has been inconsistent at times. The reality is that Gordon, at 29 years old, is currently the team's third-best player, and his future with the team remains uncertain.
As the Nuggets' front office decides on their next move, it will reveal just how serious the team is about building a dynasty. Will they prioritize keeping Gordon, or will they let him walk in pursuit of other options? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Nuggets are a team to watch in the coming years, and their success will depend heavily on the decisions they make off the court.
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