NBA: Preseason Ranking for the Western Conference

12. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are an interesting team to forecast. Denver could have perhaps been one spot higher on this list, but for now they will sit at No. 12. The main reason is their roster is filled with youth, much of which should see notable minutes.

By this time next year, the Nuggets may well be higher on this type of list. This year, though, they’re a few spots back of the final playoff spot in the West. Denver has multiple young players who should be impact pieces in the coming years. Emmanuel Mudiay, Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokić are just a few of Denver’s young players.

The Nuggets still have Kenneth Faried on the roster, although there have seemingly been questions about his future with the team. Other than Faried, Denver boasts a few other NBA veterans. Danilo Gallinari, Mike Miller, and Jameer Nelson will try to mentor Denver’s young wave of talent, while producing at the same time.

The Nuggets won just 33 games last season. Ultimately, this season may not be that much different in terms of wins and losses. But this isn’t a team that is looking toward the playoffs this year. If Mudiay and company can continue to grow together and build on what they have started, this could be a valuable building year for the Nuggets.

Next: No. 11