A 12 months in the past, once they gained the NBA championship, the Denver Nuggets have been being tabbed by many as a possible dynasty within the making.
However they took a major step backward this season once they have been up-ended within the second spherical of the playoffs by the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves.
It immediately condensed a considerably darkish cloud over the Nuggets by way of their fast future, and a number of the consternation needed to do with the truth that beginning taking pictures guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would have the ability to choose out of his contract this summer season.
That’s precisely what he has determined to do, per Legion Hoops.
BREAKING: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will decline his participant choice with the Nuggets and is now a free agent, per @ShamsCharania
Which staff ought to signal him? 👀 pic.twitter.com/QxHtv2eUSv
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 27, 2024
Caldwell-Pope got here to the Nuggets two years in the past in a commerce with the Washington Wizards, and he immediately introduced 3-point taking pictures and championship expertise.
He proved to be the ultimate piece to their puzzle, and he shot a career-high 42.3 p.c from 3-point vary final season as Denver gained all of it.
Denver has develop into an influence as a result of they share the ball and make that further go that results in open photographs, and likewise as a result of they’ve a number of gamers who’re able to constantly pulling down these open photographs.
The Nuggets already lacked depth this 12 months past their excellent beginning 5, and if Caldwell-Pope leaves, it could be onerous for them to discover a appropriate alternative.
Maybe Christian Braun, a second-year 6-foot-6 guard who emerged this season as a stable contributor, would transfer into the beginning lineup, however that would go away the Nuggets’ bench extraordinarily skinny.
They’re beginning to be taught why it’s so onerous to go from one championship to a real dynasty.
NEXT:
Nuggets Are Reportedly Working On Extension With Key Participant
