The Nuggets addressed some needs at the deadline, mostly defense. They acquired Aaron Gordon from the Magic and Javale McGee from the Cavs, all without giving up main assets. Their most notable loss was Gary Harris, his defensive prowess at the guard position was slept on across the league but he lacked in the ability to score. Gary shot an lackluster 44% from the field and 32% from three this season after being touted as a 3andD guy out of Michigan State. The biggest loss might be RJ Hampton the young rookie from Australia. Similar to Michael Porter Jr, RJ was the number one recruit out of high school and overlooked by many at the draft but unlike MPJ, RJ decided not to go to school and took his talents overseas for a year before entering the draft. He has the potential but for the win now mode the Nuggets seem to be in these were the right moves to make.
Gordon being the better of the acquisitions made an immediate impact in his first game with the team helping lift the Nuggets over the Hawks with 13 points in just 21 minutes. He gives the Nuggets an on ball defender they didn't have, and he may be just what they need to compete with the Lakers in the west. As for Javale, welcome back! He brings exactly what they lost in Mason Plumlee this past offseason, a defending big man, because all Nuggets fans know Jokic's defense is a liability. Lets hope these moves help them win the Championship this season.
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