Nuggets Free Agency Preview 2019: Point Guards
Jun 27, 2019, 6:57 AM
The Nuggets backcourt seems set. In the starting lineup, Gary Harris starts at the two, with Jamal Murray running the point; as two-thirds of Denver’s young core, it’s hard to imagine either of them going anywhere. And coming off the bench, Tim Connelly and Company had to be thrilled with the development of Malik Beasley and Monte Morris last season; both exceeded expectations.
But falling in love with can be dangerous. It often prevents a team from improving, as they overvalue their own talent and spend too much time waiting for them to develop.
That could be the case with the Nuggets backcourt, especially Harris. Everybody loves him, but is he really a future star?
This past season, Harris averaged just 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Those aren’t exactly eye-popping numbers. Granted, the guard did battle through injuries all year, which limited him to just 57 games, but that doesn’t totally excuse the lack of production; in reality, Harris put up numbers in 2018-19 that nearly mirrored his career averages.
Denver needs more from a player slated to earn nearly $18 million this season. The Nuggets need Harris to be a star if they’re going to become an elite team. As much as people hate to hear it, that’s just not the case at the moment.
If an upgrade is something Tim Connelly and Company were seeking, there’s a creative way to go about it. Instead of replacing Harris with another shooting guard, the Nuggets could move Murray to the two, perhaps his more natural spot, and go get a true point guard.
There are certainly some intriguing options on the free-agent market:
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Top Five Available
1. Kyrie Irving | Boston Celtics – There are legitimate questions about his ability to get along with teammates, after issues in Cleveland and Boston, but Irving is an elite player. A point guard who can score 20-plus per game, while still keeping everyone involved, is hard to find.
2. Kemba Walker | Charlotte Hornets – The past three seasons, Walker has blossomed, becoming a perennial All-Star in Charlotte. This past year, he averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds, which are numbers that put him in an exclusive club.
3. D’Angelo Russell | Brooklyn Nets – After two up-and-down seasons with the Lakers, the former No. 2 was shipped off to Brooklyn. Rather than wither, however, he bloomed, turning in a 21.1 / 7.9 / 3.1 season in 2018-19 to earn his first All-Star bid.
4. Ricky Rubio | Utah Jazz – He touted as the second coming of Pete Maravich when he entered the league, lofty expectations that were too much to live up to. But Rubio is a classic point guard who sees the floor well and gets everyone involved.
5. Malcolm Brodgon | Milwaukee Bucks – On a talented Bucks roster, Brogdon was the third or fourth option, which limited his scoring. But he can knock down three-pointers, which makes him a valuable asset in today’s NBA.
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Realistic Options
1. Patrick Beverley | Los Angeles Clippers – More likely a backup option due to his limited scoring ability, Beverley is a great addition to any team. He’s an elite defender who brings toughness to the floor that is invaluable; he won’t back down from anyone.
2. Derrick Rose | Minnesota Timberwolves – With his career seemingly circling the drain, Rose found new life with the T-Wolves, posting his best season since suffering a torn ACL prior to the 2012-13 season. An elite off-the-bench option at point guard.
3. Terry Rozier | Boston Celtics – An under-the-radar player for most fans, given that he was lost in the shadow of Kyrie Irving in Boston. But he has scoring ability, can distribute and isn’t a defensive liability.
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Centers – With Nikola Jokic on the roster, there isn’t a huge need in the middle for the Nuggets. But the Millsap decision could have a domino effect.
Power Forwards – Depending on what the Nuggets do with Paul Millsap, this could be their No.1 position of need in 2019.
Small Forwards – The weakest link in the Nuggets starting lineup is Will Barton, providing Denver with the perfect place for an upgrade
Shooting Guards – Deciding that Gary Harris isn’t part of the core would allow the Nuggets to upgrade at the two spot
