The Denver Nuggets have a plan to get back to the NBA finals but it all hinges on the success of several key young players and how much Michael Malone trusts them. The Denver Broncos also have a plan, and it all hinges on the success of a single rookie player. What both teams have in common, is the need for the coach to support that plan and support those individuals. For the Nuggets, Malone has had some players he believed in from the start – Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Julian Strawther. There have been players he believed in eventually – Nikola Jokic, Christian Braun. And then some players it doesn’t seem like he believes in very much at all – Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Pickett.

The Nuggets finally ponied up another max contract for Jamal Murray over the weekend and the NBA champion point guard is locked up for the next 5 seasons. But unlike the last contract, this one comes with much more scrutiny. Nikola Jokic’s prime will be over by the end of this next contract. The Nuggets title window will likely be winding down or completely closed. But between now and then, the legacy of this era will be written. What does it mean for Aaron Gordon? And what does it mean for the culture of the Denver Nuggets?