The first edition of our 2019-20 DNVR Nuggets player grades is here. After Denver narrowly escaped Phoenix with a 107-102 win over the Suns on Monday night, it’s time to hand out some report cards.
HONOR ROLL
Jerami Grant – A
Grant was the best player on the floor Monday night, showcasing nearly all of his versatile skillset. Grant finished 22 points, tied for the game-high with Frank Kaminsky, by finishing in the paint, knocking down two threes, and hitting all eight of his free throws. He recorded three steals on the defensive end and provided Denver with a new dimension on both ends of the fast break.
Grant looks like a game-changer.
Gary Harris – A-
Harris opened up the game with six quick points in the paint. He showed confidence, burst, and strength on his way to the rim–reminding us of what a threat he is at full strength. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Harris and Murray clicking at the same time, but Denver’s backcourt cruised in Phoenix. Harris finished with 18 points on 60% from the floor and knocked down two of his four three-point attempts.
THE CLASS
Jamal Murray – B+
A couple of sloppy turnovers and some late misses marred an otherwise great night for Denver’s starting point guard. Murray took six three-point attempts, tripling his preseason total through two games, and found his rhythm in the first half. He rebounded well, held his own defensively, and racked up six assists. It was his best game of the preseason to date.
Michael Porter Jr. – B+
MPJ is still being graded on a curve, but if he keeps this up that may have to change. Porter Jr. finished with 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting, by finishing at the rim, creating for himself from mid-range, and knocking down a catch and shoot three. It might be his motor that stood out the most, as he worked the glass for five rebounds, including two on the offensive end. He’s still learning on defense, but his length and activity generated turnovers–he finished with two blocks and a steal.
Nikola Jokic – C
This exercise is futile. If Jokic was mailed a report card for a preseason game, he’d never open it. He just doesn’t care. Big Honey mailed this one in, picking up three fouls and two turnovers in the first quarter, and finishing with six turnovers in total. He was working at half-speed, but even half-speed Jokic finds a way to leave his fingerprints on a win.
Mason Plumlee – B
No one thrives in a third game of the preseason against the Phoenix Suns quite like Mason Plumlee. In the type of game in which the Jokic’s of the world are checked out, Plumlee is dialed in. Denver’s backup center finished with 10 points, four rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and a strong dose of some old fashioned hustle in 20 minutes on the court.
PRINCIPLE’S OFFICE
Torrey Craig – D+
‘Crash Bandicoot’ stayed on brand in this game, flying around the court to both the benefit and detriment of his teammates. He knocked down a three-point attempt in the first quarter, but those would be his only points of the night. His hustle on the glass and defensive end showcased his potential value alongside the starters, but unfortunately, Phoenix’s indifference to him on the offensive end is what stood out most. He failed to pose a threat off-ball, and clogged lanes with ill-timed cuts.
Will Barton – D
It didn’t seem to matter who Barton was sharing the court with, he looked flat out lost in this game. He shot 25% from the field, recorded two turnovers, and finished with just five points and two assists in 17 minutes. He never found his rhythm, and he was among the worst rotation players on the floor Monday night.
