Will We See More of the Small-Ball Lineup Going Forward?
Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets may have found the ideal starting lineup now that they have all their players are healthy.
The Denver Nuggets changed things up last night by showcasing a different starting lineup.
Known for trying to utilize their front-court, the Nuggets have not had much success going with the traditional lineup this year.
Last night, they showcased a small-ball lineup that featured Chandler as the starting small forward while shifting Gallinari to the 4 spot along with swapping out Nurkic for Jokic as the starting center.
This proved to be a genius move on Coach Malone’s part as the starting lineup combined for 81 total points in a resounding win over a division rival in the Trail Blazers. Whether the Nuggets will make use of this small-ball lineup remains to be seen. It definitely helps when the team is fully healthy as well.
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While last night’s win may have been a fluke, it is still worth analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of this new starting lineup for the Nuggets.
Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
This small-ball lineup could have difficulties defensively
Contrary to popular belief in today’s ever-evolving NBA that is gravitating towards small ball, there are a few disadvantages to this lineup for Denver.
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A team that does have a great front-court such as the Memphis Grizzlies or Los Angeles Clippers could have a devastating offensive impact on this Nuggets lineup by taking advantage of their size down low.
Jokic’s specialty is certainly not his defense and Wilson Chandler is a great versatile defender, but he most likely would not be able to stand his ground against the likes of Blake Griffin, Zach Randolph, or Paul Millsap.
The offensive firepower is certainly there, but the defensive capabilities may get exposed once the Nuggets show off this new small ball lineup against a team with an elite tandem of big men.
Well this lineup is a concern defensively, it still has many advantages.
Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket as Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) defends during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
On the offensive side of the court, the Nuggets small-ball lineup could give the opposition fits.
The small-ball lineup that Denver used was the most efficient lineup they have used all year long.
Obviously the Nuggets won’t be looking like the Warriors any time soon with this new starting rotation, but it could be a sign going forward. The mere fact that the starters put up 81 points in a game where they scored 132 points shows just how offensively gifted this team is this year.
At one point during the game, Nikola Jokic and Danilo both has a field goal percentage of 80%. This will also give Jokic a chance to really prove to fans that the Pau Gasol-like ceiling is not a fluke especially with his crafty passing.
Against teams that are relatively small, this lineup will do some real damage from an offensive standpoint.
The Nuggets obviously are not going to win a title this year, but if this lineup will help them win more games, then they might as well utilize it to make a push for the 8 seed this season.