Harrison Wind and T.J. McBride rehash the Nuggets two games agains the Lakers last week. Jusuf Nurkic‘s explosion, Emmanuel Mudiay‘s struggles, Will Barton‘s role, Jamal Murray‘s development, the uncertainty around Denver’s 15th roster spot, and more.
For this week’s MyBookie.lv segment, Harrison and T.J. give the three NBA win totals they’re most confident in betting the over or under on this season, (don’t take their advice).
Timestamps:
5:00 – Friday Nuggets – Lakers recap and key storylines
19:00 – Sunday Nuggets – Lakers recap and key storylines
34:00 – Key takeaways from the preseason so far
35:30 – 15th roster spot
37:30 – Murray’s encouraging play and Jameer Nelson
40:30 – Colorado Safe Outlet question of the week: Which Nuggets player has impressed you the most this preseason?
45:00 – Win total talk
DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!
0 Comments (1 conversation)
Russell displayed great shooting against the Nuggets, yet his success was amplified because Denver’s guards minus Harris continually played under the screens set for him around the three point line without making adjustments. Russell was so confident that he would shoot a three right behind his screener or a step or two past him without much challenge from the screener’s defender because they would not hedge to cut Russell off the shot or to extend the pick and roll action. Denver is very conscious of protecting the paint by not getting beat off the dribble because of their average rim protection, but when a shooter is hot–you have to force him to drive, disrupt his rhythm or double team him so that he passes instead of shoots.
Also, I thought Mudiay started to play better in the 2nd Laker game once he began or was allowed to facilitate and run the basic high pick and roll play. His ability to be a dual threat off of this play is critical to his development and success. He doesn’t have shoot like Russell…he can play his own game closer to the basket, but he cannot be afraid of taking pull up jumpers when the drive or the assist is not there. I bring this point up because for many months (not just this preseason), Denver’s offense veered toward Mudiay bringing the ball up past half court and immediately passing to the wing and then Mudiay would run around off the ball like a 2-guard. Yes, I know this helped take pressure off of him last year and that this kind of offensive set can still be useful. But, Mudiay has struggled with some of his decision making at random spots on the floor when the ball returns to him after his off the ball movement. All the pre-draft talk for Mudiay was that he was a “pick and roll” point guard—so let him be more of that kind of point guard. It will simplify the spots on the floor that he will facilitate and attack and it will demand his improvement to be more of a dual threat off of the pick and roll action. Too much reliance on the off the ball offensive sets for Mudiay is delaying his improvement as a point guard and a leader.