The Twelve days of DNVR Christmas

“Wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect”

– Johnathan Lockwood Huie

On the first day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

Drew Lock throwing like Drew Brees

It still may not be every week, but Lock certainly acquitted himself nicely last Sunday after what can only be described as a spotty season. If the Lock of last week can make a more regular appearance, he might be a real gift to Broncos faithful in the years to come.

On the second day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

Nikola Jokic as an MVP

While the Joker will always be a dark horse in the NBA’s MVP race with flashier, more appealing, and more camera-ready options, there may not be another player in the league who elevates the games of everyone around him the way Jokic does. If that’s not the definition of a “Most Valuable” player… what is?

On the third day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

A stats team for the Colorado Rockies

With seemingly a million things to figure out in their current state, the Colorado Rockies Analytics team took a hit with most of the crew leaving for other things. With all they’re trying to work through, folks who can help them with the numbers may be key in getting the ship righted.

On the fourth day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

A Cup for the Avs, pretty please

The Colorado Avalanche have been slowly and steadily maneuvering themselves into position to tie their cross-town football compatriots for championship titles, and what better season than this next one to get that Stanley Cup back to Denver.

On the fifth day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

A healthy Von Miller ASAP

The return of the Broncos former Super Bowl MVP won’t bring the Broncos to the playoffs this season, but his presence could be a present for everyone involved, and get the team back on track for the type of expectations not seen around these parts since he scored that trophy

On the sixth day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

An All-Star debut for Jamal Murray

Murray’s emergence in the post-season bubble was a revelation to nearly everyone but himself, which bodes well for continued peak performance from the Nuggets fourth year-guard and his ascendance to All-Star status in a Western Conference filled with incredible guards.

On the seventh day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

Nolan Arenado back with the Colorado Rockies

Rumors are flying about an Arenado trade for the Purple crew, with their direction very much up in the air. Arenado and his incredible skillset have brought a fair bit of joy, hope, and entertainment to Rockies fans these last few years, and his departure might just let too much air out of whatever is left of fans current bubbles.

On the eighth day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

A Nathan MacKinnon MVP

Jokic is not the only Pepsi Center denizen with eyes on his league’s MVP award, with MacKinnon narrowly missing out on the Hart Memorial this last year, instead winning the Lady Bing. If Mac can bring that cup home with his talented crew, he could well be looking at some bling of his own in the bargain.

On the ninth day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

The emergence of Jerry Jeudy

Jeudy was the heralded return of the Broncos receiving crew when he came to the team this year as a rookie, and he’s still shown flashes of brilliance along the way. But after an ignominious first game, and a few moments along the way that the opponents were loading up on him, he’s not shown the production or had some of the opportunities that both he and Broncos Nation had hoped. Here’s hoping for a turnaround of epic proportions in the year upcoming, as his talent is undeniable.

On the tenth day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

The return of Gary Harris’ swagger, geez

While much has been written about the small forward competition between Michael Porter, Jr and Will Barton, and how the team will adjust to the replacements of Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, and Torrey Craig, most of the reporting around Harris is simply that he’s on a decidedly downward trend. But Gary’s skillset and capabilities at their peak are exactly the sort of third or fourth option that could carry the Nuggets even further than last season, if he can stay healthy and rediscover his stroke.

On the eleventh day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

Another Rocktober for fans of the Rockies

After getting out to the best start in baseball last season, the spiral for the Rockies was precipitous and long. After several seasons of issues, confusion, and troubles, it would be immensely pleasing  – and just as wildly unexpected –  to see the Rox back in the postseason competing. While the team could use a shot in the arm on several fronts, winning a bit might just be the best cure of all.

On the twelfth day of DNVR Christmas, my sports loves gave to me:

A step up for the Avs’ supporting teams

While Colorado has seen progress on every front from their players, they are still a team led by a few superstar cogs. To see the promised land, the supporting cast that back up their scintillating stars will need to give every bit of the grit, hustle, and effort they have to get the team over the last few humps.

It’s a season of giving, love, presents, and presence no matter which holiday you celebrate over the season, DNVR Nation. Here’s to you and yours finding the hope and gifts that your favorite teams’ successes can bring. Happy WKND!