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Ben makes a case for using O_ and D_ to classify "options" for players. For example, AD would be a O2D1, the 2nd offensive option on an elite offensive unit and the best defensive player on and elite defensive unit. So, when applying these concepts to Denver... https://twitter.com/ElGee35/status/1318268561069010944
Gary Harris is probably the "best" defensive player on the team, but because of his size he can never be higher than a D2 (second defensive option) on a championship team. Which then makes me ask, can Jerami Grant be the best player on a championship team? Well...
Looking at past champions and taking their "D1s"
2020: AD
19: Kawhi/Siakam
17-18: Dray
16: LeBron
15: Dray
14: Duncan/Kawhi
12-13: LeBron
11: Chandler
I'm just going to say that I don't think Grant can be the first player defensively (A D1) on a championship team
2020: AD
19: Kawhi/Siakam
17-18: Dray
16: LeBron
15: Dray
14: Duncan/Kawhi
12-13: LeBron
11: Chandler
I'm just going to say that I don't think Grant can be the first player defensively (A D1) on a championship team
So where does that leave the Nuggets as title contenders? Two ways of thought on this imo.
1. Denver needs to find it's D1, the guy who's gonna be the best defensive player on a title team. Whether that's through the draft or trade, Denver needs that guy to buoy an elite defense
1. Denver needs to find it's D1, the guy who's gonna be the best defensive player on a title team. Whether that's through the draft or trade, Denver needs that guy to buoy an elite defense
2. Denver relys on the growth of MPJ and carves a unique path to championship contention. Denver is a small market team with a rare potential opportunity to have 3 top-20 level offensive players on the same team, maybe that's enough to get them over the hump even without the D1.
Personally, I think Denver needs to consider every non-Murray/Jokic option of finding that D1, even options involving trading MPJ. Especially given Jokic's limitations, I think you need an elite level defensive player to bridge the gap for this team.
This upcoming season will test to see if Denver is capable of getting to a title level (assuming MPJ takes some kind of leap...big assumption, I know) using three elite offensive weapons. If that clearly isn't capable, I'll be pounding the #MPJ4Wembanyama drum harder than ever
