The Ultimate NBA Cheat Sheet – Mid-Season

Hey, I have spent the past week or two compiling this massive summary of each team’s season so far. I hope that y’all find this useful. Each team has all their basic stats, a paragraph written about their 3 best players, some lineup data, their strengths and weaknesses, a rank of how fun the team is to watch, as well as how important their season is (which probably should be viewed as their need to win urgency instead), some potential trades, and a summary.

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**Denver Nuggets (DEN)**

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**The Basics:**

Current Win-Loss: 33-16

Last 10: 7-3

Record Against top ten teams: 6-9

Expected Wins: 54.5

Current Pace: 55-27

Power Ranking Tier: Championship Contender (S)

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**Team play:**

Offensive Rating: 117.8 (9th)

Defensive Rating: 113.5 (12th)

Net Rating: 4.3 (8th)

Pace: 97.5 (28th)

Best lineups: With at least ⅓ time as (the most played one(Most played will be in parentheses))

3: N. Jokic – J. Murray – M. Porter Jr.

(3): K. Caldwell-Pope – N. Jokic – M. Porter Jr.

Net Rating: 13.5

(Net Rating): 10.4

Minutes played(1164): 779

4: K. Caldwell-Pope – N. Jokic – J. Murray – M. Porter Jr.

(4): K. Caldwell-Pope – A. Gordon – N. Jokic – M. Porter Jr.

Net Rating: 13.1

(Net Rating): 9.3

Minutes Played(986): 697

5: K. Caldwell-Pope – A. Gordon – N. Jokic – J. Murray – M. Porter Jr.

(5): K. Caldwell-Pope – A. Gordon – N. Jokic – J. Murray – M. Porter Jr.

Net Rating: 13.1

(Net Rating): 13.1

Minutes Played(613): 613

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**Three best players:**

Nikola Jokic:

26 Points/ 12 Rebounds/ 9 Assists/ 3 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 63.1% 3pt%: 35.8% Ft%: 81.5%

Nikola Jokic’s impact on the Nuggets transcends traditional basketball roles, blending scoring, rebounding, and exceptional playmaking to dominate the court. You’ve heard this all before, his scoring versatility, success from both the paint and midrange, his unparalleled vision and precision in orchestrating plays, being the offense maestro for the Nuggets. However while not known for his defense, Jokic has made significant strides this season, effectively holding opponents to league average or lower shooting percentages across all parts of the court. This newfound respectable defensive skill adds depth to his already comprehensive arsenal, marking him as a more complete player than ever before. His keen basketball IQ is reflected in his strategic play and low turnover rate, underscoring his role not merely as a player but as the maestro of the game’s flow. Jokic’s evolution, especially in his defensive capabilities, not only reinforces his status as an elite NBA talent but also redefines the role and influence of a center, firmly placing him at the forefront of the modern basketball era.

Jamal Murray:

21 Points/ 4 Rebounds/ 6 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 51.2% 3pt%: 41.4% Ft%: 86.0%

Jamal Murray’s role with the Nuggets is that of a dynamic force, combining a sharp scoring ability with a deft touch in playmaking. His knack for navigating the court and finding the basket from midrange and beyond the arc makes him a versatile offensive threat. Murray’s proficiency in creating space for himself and others is evident in his strategic orchestration of plays, where he balances scoring with facilitating his teammates’ success. While his defensive presence may not be the highlight of his game, his contributions on the offensive end more than compensate, with his ability to efficiently convert free throws and maintain a steady hand under pressure. His game is a blend of precision and poise, making him an indispensable asset to the Nuggets’ lineup. As Murray continues to refine his skills and develop his game, his unique combination of scoring finesse and playmaking acumen positions him as a key player in the Nuggets’ pursuit of success, redefining the role of a guard with his versatile and impactful style of play.

Aaron Gordan:

14 Points/ 7 Rebounds/ 3 Assists/ 1 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 59.3% 3pt%: 30.0% Ft%: 61.4%

Aaron Gordon’s role within the Nuggets’ lineup is emblematic of versatility and adaptability, bringing a balanced mix of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating to the court. His ability to efficiently navigate the paint, coupled with a solid performance in midrange shooting, positions him as a reliable scoring option. Gordon’s contributions extend beyond scoring; his playmaking and vision enable him to effectively set up his teammates, enhancing the team’s overall offensive dynamics. While his 3-point shooting may not be his standout feature, Gordon’s proficiency in rim running and post scoring significantly bolsters the team’s offensive options. His presence on the court, marked by a blend of athleticism and basketball intelligence, is felt on both ends, with his defensive efforts complementing his offensive contributions. Gordon’s ability to adapt his playstyle to the team’s needs, coupled with his multifaceted skill set, makes him an invaluable asset to the Nuggets. As he continues to refine his game and adapt to the evolving demands of the NBA, Gordon’s role as a versatile and impactful player is solidifying, proving his value as a key component of the Nuggets’ competitive composition.

Strengths:

The Denver Nuggets’ season stands as a testament to their offensive mastery and growing defensive resilience. Paced by a strategy that emphasizes efficiency, the team’s offensive machine thrives on a high-powered pick-and-roll game and off-ball movement, ranking them among the league’s best. Their proficiency from beyond the arc, coupled with a strong inside game, crafts an offense that is not just potent but also remarkably versatile. The Nuggets’ adeptness in converting plays into points, especially after successful defensive stops, underpins their ability to maintain offensive momentum and keep pressure on their opponents. Defensively, while the Nuggets have room to grow, their performance after stops and in set defensive scenarios exhibits a commitment to improvement and adaptability. The team’s ability to disrupt opponents’ 3-point attempts and effectively defend the rim reflects a defensive strategy that, while still evolving, is starting to show promising signs of cohesiveness and impact. As the Nuggets continue to refine their gameplay, balancing their offensive firepower with strategic defensive enhancements, they are not just navigating the season but are crafting a narrative of a team with the potential to be as formidable defensively as they are offensively.

Weaknesses:

Despite their offensive prowess, the Denver Nuggets grapple with defensive inconsistencies that could undermine their success. Their capacity to contain opponents’ 3-point shooting, particularly in corner scenarios, remains a concern, with their defense against these critical shots not always meeting the mark. This vulnerability is further pronounced in their ability to defend the rim, where opponents often find opportunities to capitalize, reflecting a need for a more robust inside presence. The team’s defensive pace, while not the slowest, suggests room for improvement in terms of swift and strategic response to fast-paced offensive plays by their opponents. Offensively, while the Nuggets excel in scoring, they face challenges in maintaining their offensive rhythm, especially in off-ball scenarios where their execution could be more fluid and unpredictable. The team’s reliance on a set offensive structure, although effective, risks predictability, calling for a diversification of play types to keep opponents off balance. Addressing these defensive vulnerabilities and injecting versatility into their offensive playbook will be crucial for the Nuggets to fully harness their potential and elevate their game to match their ambition. As they navigate through the season, refining their defensive strategies and embracing offensive adaptability will be key in shaping their path to success.

Fun rating 6/6:

I am going to keep this one simple you got Jokic, an extremely skilled starting lineup that excels in their given role, dynamic playmaking, and one of the most aesthetically pleasing offenses to watch. Even against poor opponents they remain must watch tv.

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**The Future:**

Importance of season 3/5:

Thanks to astute contract, asset, and draft management, the Nuggets are in an enviable position, facing less immediate pressure to clinch a title compared to other contenders. With a well-structured roster and a strategic approach to team building, their championship window extends well beyond this season, likely spanning several years ahead. Though we should never take championship windows for granted in the NBA. The same was once said for the 04 Pistons, 08 Celtics, and 2020 Lakers.

Potential trades:

Trade Goals:

A trade could only hurt this team. If it is a trade to improve a player in the 6 – 10 range like packaging a guy or two with a 2nd Rounder that is understandable but I do not see potential trade to that affect at the moment.

Upcoming Draft situation: Their own 1st Rounder and the Sun’s 2nd Rounder

Projected Tax Space: -19.6 Million

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**TLDR:**

Summary:

The Denver Nuggets’ season unfolds as a compelling display of offensive prowess and evolving defensive strategy, painting a picture of a team with championship potential. The synergy within their core lineup, especially the trio of Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr., drives the team’s success, with Jokic’s all-around dominance and newfound defensive improvements setting the tone. Murray’s dynamic scoring and playmaking, alongside Gordon’s adaptability and contributions on both ends, create a formidable force that consistently challenges opponents. The Nuggets’ offensive strategy, marked by efficiency and versatility, sees them excel in pick-and-roll plays and off-ball movement, placing them among the league’s top teams in offensive metrics. Defensively, while strides have been made, areas like perimeter containment and rim defense still present opportunities for growth, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to maintaining their competitive edge. Looking ahead, the Nuggets are not pressed by the urgency that often accompanies championship pursuits, thanks to strategic contract, asset, and draft management. Their well-structured roster and thoughtful team building open up a championship window that extends well beyond this season. While potential trades might offer slight enhancements, the team’s current composition and future prospects suggest that their focus should be on internal development and strategic tweaks. With a blend of star power, strategic depth, and future flexibility, the Nuggets’ journey is not just about this season but about cementing their legacy in the annals of basketball history.

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**Project Notes:**

This was a fair amount of work I ended up writing around 50,000 words and if you would like to support ongoing updates for this project you can do so here

[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark)

Also, there is a mega compilation on my substack, with a bit of an explainer about why I chose to make this

[https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm\_campaign=post&utm\_medium=web](https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)

**The future of this project:**

The goal for the next update will be right after the trade deadline, I will summarize the outlook for each, and refresh the stats, upcoming draft capital, and lineup data for the team

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles

This project also originally included storylines/notable events, random interesting stats, and various memes surrounding each team. The next update of this will hopefully include all of those. However, if I could get various suggestions for each of the categories from fans of different teams that would be a major help

**What I am looking for**

**Storylines/notable events:** A storyline/notable event should be something interesting that would otherwise forgotten when looking at this team’s particular NBA season

A storyline last year for the Hawks could’ve been John Collin’s eternal trade discussions

A notable event for the Raptors last year could’ve been Fred Van Fleet’s epic rant against Ben Taylor

A storyline/notable event for the Lakers last year could’ve been the animosity between Westbrook and Lebron, such as ignoring each other at the summer league.

**Random interesting stats:** These are just interesting stats going on for the team or particular player. They can be for the season as a whole or just a stretch

A good example of one was the Warrior’s home versus road performance last year

Another one is how Embiid is averaging more points than minutes played this year

**Memes:** These are just funny things to have happen for a particular team

Mike Brown bringing a laptop to a press conference

Pat Bev showing the Ref the camera

**Long long term goals:**

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles them interesting. But that would require a lot of film breakdown.

by DeficientFooting