Lakers guard Austin Reaves discusses his journey and Lakers team workouts. DNVR's Adam Mares previews the Denver Nuggets, covering replacing players, staggering starters, and getting Michael Porter Jr. more involved.
The Denver Nuggets have a strong starting lineup and veteran depth, making them a formidable team this season.
The Nuggets need their young players like Christian Brown and Peyton Watson to step up and contribute to solidify their bench rotation.
Defending Nikola Yokich is a challenge due to his dominance and the lack of a clear remedy to stop him.
Deep dives
Nuggets find success in continuity and chemistry
The Denver Nuggets have become a model for success with their continuity, collective skill, and chemistry among their core players. They have enjoyed a three-month celebration after their championship run and are still keeping the Nuggets fever alive. With a solid starting lineup and questions about their depth, the team is focused on their ultimate goal of winning a championship. They have confidence in their young players, such as Christian Brown and Peyton Watson, to step up and contribute this season. Although there are challenges ahead, the Nuggets remain a top contender in the league.
The Nuggets' ideal roster composition
The Denver Nuggets have built their roster in an ideal way, with players of similar age and skill level. They have a strong starting lineup and veteran depth to support their core players. While they have lost key contributors like Bruce Brown and Jeff Green, they have young players like Christian Brown, Peyton Watson, and Zeke Naji ready to step up. The Nuggets have a well-established chemistry and continuity, making them a formidable team this season.
Questions about the Nuggets' depth
Although the Nuggets have a strong starting lineup, there are questions about their depth. They need players like Christian Brown and Peyton Watson to step up and contribute in order to solidify their bench rotation. There is optimism that players like Zeke Naji and Reggie Jackson can make an impact as well. The Nuggets will need to find solutions to their depth concerns in order to maintain their status as a top contender in the league.
The Challenge of Defending Yokich
The podcast discusses the challenge of defending Nikola Yokich and the lack of a clear remedy to stop him. According to the speaker, Yokich has reached a point where the entire league recognizes his dominance and the offense runs through him. Unlike with Shaq, the league cannot simply foul Yokich or double-team him effectively. The best strategy appears to be constructing a strong frontcourt with good defenders to cause him some difficulty. The Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics are mentioned as teams that could potentially pose problems for Denver in this regard.
Denver Nuggets' Defensive Adjustments
The podcast highlights the defensive adjustments made by the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs last season. The Nuggets drastically reduced opponent shots at the rim, forcing more mid-range shots. This defensive strategy was particularly effective against mid-range heavy teams like Phoenix and Miami. The Nuggets' ability to play strong defense in crucial moments, their willingness to experiment with defensive schemes, and Yokich's increased focus and intensity in the playoffs all contributed to their defensive success. Additionally, the team's low turnover rate in the playoffs aided their defensive performance. The speaker also discusses Michael Porter Jr.'s potential role expansion on the team's offense, while emphasizing the importance of Jamal Murray's growth and asserting that the Nuggets' goal is to contend for a championship every year.
Zach talks to Austin Reaves about his unlikely journey and all things Lakers, then DNVR's Adam Mares joins to preview the defending champion Denver Nuggets -- plus a brief Dame aside.
Team USA experience (:58)
Did you think you were going to be on the Spurs? (3:43)
Taylor Swift dating rumors (5:36)
Earning LeBron’s trust (11:42)
The “I’m him!” game (14:36)
LeBron’s team workouts (25:11)
Says he’s the best golfer among NBA players (29:06)
Russell Westbrook being a great teammate (41:40)
How Denver will replace Bruce Brown and Jeff Green (54:05)
Teams can’t outscore Denver (58:49)
Will Michael Malone have to stagger starters more? (1:09:24)
Getting Michael Porter, Jr. more involved offensively (1:12:07)
Jamal Murray should be in the All-Star conversation this year (1:17:05)
