The Denver Nuggets enter the new season as the reigning NBA champions, determined to defend their title and reach new heights. With a banner commemorating their 2023 NBA championship hanging at their training facility, head coach Mike Malone and star guard Jamal Murray have emphasized the importance of maintaining urgency and not becoming complacent in the 2024-25 season.
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Jamal Murray, who recently signed a four-year, $208 million contract extension, spoke in the locker room: “We have a championship window, not every team has that. And what do you do with it? Do you take advantage or look back in 20 years with regret?” These words were not only directed at his teammates but also served as a reminder to himself and the team that each season is valuable and should not be wasted.
One of the main driving forces behind the Nuggets is the presence of superstar Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP. General Manager Calvin Booth stated: “Nikola has an incredible 10-year competitive window, and we’re halfway through it. We have about five more shots at it, and each one is valuable.”
However, challenges await the Nuggets ahead. Last season, they were strong contenders but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves after a heartbreaking loss in Game 7. Coach Malone affirmed, “We’re a good team. Over the last six years, no one in the West has done what we have.”
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This season, the Nuggets lost key players, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown, who were instrumental in their 2023 championship run. However, the team hopes young players like Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther will step up to fill the gaps. Additionally, the additions of 2016-17 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric bring renewed hope to the Nuggets.
Westbrook, who signed a two-year deal with the Nuggets, said, “It’s an honor to play with Jokic. I know he’s a great teammate, an excellent leader, and will bring a lot of good things to our team.”
Malone also discussed changes in the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, emphasizing the importance of balancing immediate wins with sustainable development. “We have an obligation to develop in order to be great,” Booth said, citing inspiration from Jim Collins’ book, “Good to Great.”
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With a challenging new season ahead, the Denver Nuggets are not only facing pressure from strong Western Conference rivals but also must maintain their motivation and fighting spirit to defend their crown. They will begin training camp on Friday before heading to Abu Dhabi for two preseason games against the Boston Celtics in October. Will the Nuggets continue to make history? The answer will unfold in the coming months!
