5 on 5: Denver Nuggets, "Players Ball"

[jonathanlambert33]

If theres one thing the Denver Nuggets could hang their hats on this year, it was the players. Denver has lots of them. Most of them good, some of them marginal, a few not so marginal. Some had career seasons, while others couldnt quite live up to expectations fans set in the summer months leading up to tip off in October. If there was anything gleaned from this season it came from the players, each and every one, good or bad. In our latest 5-on-5 we attempt to examine which of these players belongs in all the superlative categories associated with postseason analysis. Yes, this is our awards post for the 2013-14 season, if such a thing is possible after such a strenuous year of basketball. As always, we encourage you to pose your answers to the following questions in the comments section below.
 
 
1. Who was the Nuggets MVP this season?

Kalen: Because he was healthy the entire season, improved so much and carried the Nuggets on his back the last few months, Im tempted to say Faried; but really, how can you pick against Ty Lawson? The dude finished second in the NBA in assists per game and put up numbers that far exceeded his previous best. Lawson isnt a superstar but hes the closest thing Denver has to one.

Vytis: I dont think you can argue against Ty Lawson here. He started the season out extremely hot and was making an All-Star case for himself. He had some inconsistent stretches, but when he was injured the offense just looked like a complete and utter mess. He was the one getting everyone going and was the teams best player and ultimately the MVP as well.

David: As it has been since Melo was traded, its still Lawson. Denver was not a good team this year but they were downright atrocious when Lawson was hurt. In an offense that relies so heavily on the high pick and roll, Lawson was the lynchpin.

Tom: Ty Lawson. The Nuggets were average (29-31) in games he started and was available to finish, but woeful (7-15) when he came off the bench or was injured. Ty is excellent at setting up his teammates (assisting on 38 percent of field goals when hes on the court, good for fifth in the league) and getting to the line (.504 free throws per field goal attempt, beating both Kevin Durant and LeBron James.) Hes the heart and soul of the Nuggets offensive attack.

Joel: Lawson. While he has his shortcomings notably on defense and in too often not playing aggressively enough he remains the motor that powers the Nuggets offense. Things tend to fall apart for Denver when hes off the court, as evidenced by their .350 record in the 20 games he missed versus .468 in the 62 he played. Ty led Denver in scoring, assists and steals, and was second in PER only to Faried, who gets honorable mention as runner-up.

http://www.roundballminingcompany.com/2014/04/27/5-on-5-players-ball/

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Afternoon bump.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Until they put a star next to Lawson this team isn't going anywhere. Though it's good to see he's getting the recognition. 

 

[Pugz]

i think they have a chance to build a team like the pistons from 04. no "stars" but the core all fits well. they'll need to catch a break in the playoffs in the coming seasons, though.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

How do they add that star though? I can't see a star coming over in free agency. I guess they may have the players that could get a deal done, maybe.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

If they had a good core of players that could get this team back to the playoffs, I could see -- maybe not a star per say, but a really good player signing there. Someone who would be that extra piece to get them over the hump. 

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Another thing though. I think you kind of get in trouble in todays NBA if you don't have a power forward that can space the floor or play good defense. So if you look at Faried, he's traditionally been a bad defender, can't space the floor, and had been experimenting with a post game over the last month or two of the season.