The Nuggets have seen 3 of their free agents sign in China, which means they can't come back to the NBA until that season is over (which will be toward the end of the NBA season) even if the lockout is lifted, and multiple other players are playing overseas with out clauses, which means they can return if the lockout is lifted.
I'm in favor or players going over and playing, expanding their game and learning to play different ways, and strengthening parts of their games that may be weak. Of the 3 players from the Nuggets who signed in China, at least 2 of them weren't expected to sign again anyway, and the other I believe can be replaced.
Even if Nene leaves, as he suggested testing free agency and chasing a ring in and interview, I think they'll be okay.
As it stands right now, the Nuggets don't have enough guys to man a roster, but I think they can be fine if the lockout is lifted. They have a strong front court with Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo (currently a free agent who has shown interest in staying), then you throw in Gallinari and the two seven-footers (Timofey Mozgov and Kosta Koufos), the promising Kenneth Faried and the scorer Jordan Hamilton who dropped to them in the draft and you have a young core with promise to build together and play as a team. They also have Gary Forbes who is a free agent, and has shown interest in staying. He wasn't the greatest last year, but showed glimpses of high quality, and has shown he can play in multiple pickup and street games featuring other NBA players this summer. He's young and could turn out to be an asset.
I understand the concerns about the go-to guy who can take over a game when needed. I also think some of the Nuggets players could step up to be that guy (Afflalo and Gallinari come to mind, possibly Nene if he signs, maybe even Jordan Hamilton). If not, I think they have a solid core to drop a special player into. The Nuggets payroll is low now, with Carmelo and Chauncey now in New York, so they could pick someone up or possibly make a trade.
If they can run with this team state of mind they've started, maybe they can make some noise with undervalued guys. I'm personally excited about the team. Maybe I'm just a fan with rose colored glasses, but I like to think they've got a chance to build something great out of what they have. These guys are young and can grow together.
I have faith in Masai Ujiri and Josh Kroenke. I think they know what their doing. At least, it seems like they do.
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