After Shipping Him Off to Kawhi Leonard and Co, Nuggets GM Explains Why 23YO Star Has “No Place” on Championship Side

The Denver Nuggets lately won their first NBA title in 47 years. After a summer of rest and recreation, the stars of Denver won’t look to rest on their laurels and would mount another assault at the title this season. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray still in their prime, the Nuggets are favorites to win the crown again this season. Their GM Calvin Booth has been bullish with his claims that the Nuggets can win 4 or 5 more titles if “everything is optimized”.

Booth also opened up about a 23-year-old player who had “no place” in the potential dynasty of the Denver Nuggets.

Bones Hyland a “Me Guy”

Denver dominated the playoffs last season. They lost just four games (in the playoffs) en-route to their first NBA title in 47 years. Nuggets rallied behind historic playoff performances by star-man, Nikola Jokic. The Joker became the first player in NBA history to lead the playoffs in points, assists and rebounds. Denver fans would hope that their beloved team can achieve more success in the coming years and the Nuggets hierarchy isn’t resting on their laurels. Though Denver lost Bruce Brown and Jeff Green in free agency, they already possess talented young players like Christian Braun and Julian Strawther that can seamlessly transition into pivotal roles.

Nuggets GM Calvin Booth has been very optimistic about this roster and its potential. He stated in an interview with the Ringer that, “if everything is optimized, we should win three or four [titles]”. He also revealed the reason as to why Bones Hyland got traded to the Clippers.

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Bones’ trade was primarily due to his defensive limitations and his inability to contribute in areas beyond scoring. Booth said, “I knew you couldn’t have two guys that couldn’t guard, and we couldn’t have two guys that were young and kind of more ‘me guys’.” He added further, “Mike makes $30 million. He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. So, Bones, there’s no place for you”.

Nuggets Still the Team to Beat

People shouldn’t write off the Denver Nuggets after just one season. They still possess the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Denver’s deep and versatile roster, featuring key players like Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and KCP, adds to their strength. Their team chemistry, balanced offense, and improved defense make them a frightening opponent.

The departure of Bruce Brown might hamper the Nuggets, but it offers a chance for other players to make their mark. Players like Christian Braun and Zeke Nnaji can step up in the absence of Bruce Brown. The 21-year-old guard from Gonzaga, Julian Strawther has looked like an excellent pickup. Denver drafted Strawther late in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft and he has impressed during the preseason.

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The Nuggets’ front office has crafted a roster with the potential to establish a dynasty. Yet the question remains whether they can capitalize on that potential and etch their names into the history books.