As the Denver Nuggets gear up for the postseason, the big question on everyone’s mind is: what happens if they don't match last season's playoff run? With a revamped roster and a new head coach at the helm, expectations are high. But if they fall short, will this season be labeled a failure?
David Adelman, the current head coach, is under the microscope. His task is clear: guide the Nuggets deep into the playoffs.
With a healthier lineup, the pressure is on to prove that this team can compete with the likes of Oklahoma City and Minnesota. Adelman had his moment in the spotlight when his injury-riddled squad won 10 out of 16 games without their star player, a three-time MVP.
However, now that the team is back to full strength, their performance has been inconsistent, leaving fans and analysts questioning the direction of the team.
Despite recent victories, including a win against Portland, the Nuggets have struggled to build momentum, managing back-to-back wins only twice this month. They’re still in the hunt for 50 wins and a decent playoff seed in the competitive Western Conference, but slipping into the play-in tournament remains a possibility. Securing home-court advantage in the first round is far from guaranteed, and advancing past last year's finish line is a tall order.
The playoffs will be the ultimate test for Adelman. A successful run could secure his position, but an early exit might prompt the Nuggets to consider new leadership.
If a change is in the cards, who should they target? Experienced former head coaches like Jeff Van Gundy or Scott Brooks could be options, but are they the right fit for this team?
Alternatively, the Nuggets could take a gamble on a rising assistant coach, similar to moves made by San Antonio and Charlotte. However, hiring someone without head-coaching experience is always risky.
Another intriguing possibility is seeking input from their star player, Nikola Jokic. Could someone like Dusan Alimpijevic, the new head coach of the Serbian National team, be a good match for Jokic and the Nuggets? While it's not a guaranteed solution, a fresh perspective might rejuvenate the team’s strategy, especially in refining their high-pick-and-roll offense.
Ultimately, if the Nuggets face an early playoff exit and resist making necessary changes, they risk repeating the same cycle next year. The time for decisive action is now, and the playoffs will reveal if this team is ready to rise or if it’s time to rethink their approach.