The Denver Nuggets have made some impressive moves this offseason, and according to Chris Mannix, they’ve found a perfect replacement for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at a bargain price. After a successful season that saw them lift the NBA Championship, the Nuggets wasted no time upgrading their roster for the upcoming campaign.
Mannix recently spoke with Rachel Nichols on the Sports Illustrated podcast, where he praised the Nuggets’ savvy free agency strategy. They made smart signings like Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas, all of whom signed team-friendly deals. The Nuggets also traded for Cam Johnson, providing a more efficient replacement for Michael Porter Jr., further solidifying their already stacked roster.
But it’s Hardaway Jr.‘s addition that’s caught Mannix’s eye. He believes Tim Hardaway Jr. is the ideal replacement for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s role from last season’s championship run, especially considering the price tag. “I feel like they’re getting a starter for dirt cheap money,” Mannix said. “No, they’re not the same guy. But I can see Hardaway Jr. camping out in the corner like KCP did for Denver, playing the same kind of role for them.”
While Valanciunas may not be an elite big man, Mannix also pointed out his value as a big, strong body who can help take some of the load off Nikola Jokic, allowing the reigning MVP to focus on other areas of his game.
Nuggets Set Their Sights on Championship Contention
With an offseason overhaul in full swing, the Nuggets are making it clear that their championship window is wide open. Last season, they were one of the few teams that gave the Oklahoma City Thunder a serious run for their money, pushing them to a Game 7 in the second round of the playoffs. And that was with a roster that wasn’t fully optimized.
Now, with the addition of key players and improvements to their lineup, Nikola Jokic and head coach David Adelman are poised to lead the Nuggets back to championship contention. The team’s offseason moves suggest that they’re not just looking to compete—they’re looking to dominate.
Expect the Nuggets to come back next season with a vengeance, as they aim to build on their title and solidify themselves as one of the NBA’s elite teams. If their revamped roster performs as expected, the Nuggets could very well be in the mix for another shot at the mountaintop.
