Most predictions for the Denver Nuggets 2022 season are dependent on the health of the co-stars to the Nikola Jokic show, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr (MPJ). From a fantasy basketball perspective, that realization becomes abundantly clear when merely glancing at their depth chart for potential fantasy roster selections.
Flatly, the dudes just aren’t there. It’s rare to see an NBA team be constantly pegged as a conference contender and have only three players that should come close to cracking a fantasy basketball roster. There are a couple of reasons for that, aside from lack of depth like years past, the most obvious reason being the absolute statistical anomaly Nikola Jokic is. Last season Jokic led the Nuggets in points, assists, rebounds, blocks, AND steals. Yes, every single one. Even with a healthy Murray and Porter Jr, Jokic would likely be tapped to repeat that performance this year.
Essentially the Nuggets are like every team Lebron James has ever played on. Maybe there is a Kyrie, or even a Bosh and Wade, but with the breadth of talent and production, Lebron and Jokic both possess. their output can consume the fantasy possibilities of those around them.
Ultimately picking a Denver Nugget for your fantasy team will be a test of will, and the Nuggets’ training staff.
Denver Nuggets Fantasy Preview
Projected Depth Chart
| Pos | Starter | Second |
|---|---|---|
| PG | Jamal Murray | Bones Hyland |
| SG | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Bruce Brown |
| SF | Michael Porter Jr | Davon Reed |
| PF | Aaron Gordon | Jeff Green |
| C | Nikola Jokic | DeAndre Jordan |
Point Guard (PG)
After being sidelined for the entire 2021-22 campaign with an ACL tear Jamal Murray could be a solid round 7-9 steal for fantasy managers with a penchant for risk-taking, but with a patient disposition.
Murray will surely be the starter but is likely to be worked back into the line-up slowly with minute limitations. Now, add the fact he was rested due to a hamstring injury in the pre-season, and fantasy managers may be forced to wait longer than expected for returns.
Before he went down after 48 games last season Murray was averaging a career-best 21 points per game, to go along with 4.8 assists and 4 boards. He also made over 2.5 and shot 40% from three for the first time in his 5 NBA seasons.
Murray is trending in later rounds, but if there is any type of player to potentially take a reach on, he is it. Beyond Murray, Bones Hyland could hit 2 threes a game in his place; but none of his other statistics from last year trend in a direction that calls rostering even if he holds the starting position to begin the season.
Shooting Guard (SG)
In a confusing decision that seems likely due to trying to get under the NBA’s luxury tax penalties, the Nuggets parted ways with Will Barton and brought in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) in his stead. Both from a basketballing and fantasy basketball standpoint KCP is a more limited version of Barton.
KCP’s value should be as a streaming option heading into the weekend for three-pointers made. He has also shot over 87% from the free-throw line over the last two seasons, but with only 2 attempts per contest.
Small Forward (SF)
The bad back that kept Michael Porter Jr out for his short one-year stint in college also cost him all but 9 games in 2021-22. After multiple surgeries over the last 5 years, the 6’10 athletic wing is said to be fully healthy for the start of the 22 campaign.
Porter Jr is a 20-10 candidate with the ability to jump over any defender and hit 3 or 4 three-pointers a night. He is truly a unique prospect with top-25 fantasy potential. For him, it’s all about staying on the floor long enough to gain that consistency. In his only season that had any semblance of “complete”, Porter Jr averaged 19 points, 7.3 rebounds, and nearly 3 three-pointers a night.
As a projected sixth-round pick in a 10-team format, Porter Jr could be a good 5th round reach if managers don’t get the guy they want on their board. Behind MPJ sits Davon Reed who should remain available as a free agent unless Porter Jr misses extended time.
Power Forward (PF)
Here is where a fourth fantasy prospect for the Nuggets could possibly lie. Aaron Gordon has played 8 seasons in the NBA and at this point, even the most bullish fantasy managers on his potential have likely come to the realization that he will never be the player many had hoped.
Gordon averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds last year, but with Murray and Porter Jr returning much of the scoring and part of the rebounding load will likely fall off his shoulders.
Despite all of the potential for setbacks, he is still a dynamic athlete who can get streaky. With the health concerns surrounding Porter Jr, Gordon can be seen as a bit of a “handcuff” opportunity as they call it in NFL fantasy. Where Gordon’s production will greatly benefit from the absence of Porter Jr.
Center (C)
Nikola Jokic.
Nikola Jokic.
Also
Nikola Jokic.
The out-and-out number 1 fantasy pick in any format, in any league. The man was the most efficient offensive player in the league and a top 5 level efficient from the defensive side. Beyond his 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, he also shoots well over 50% from the field and 80% from the line. If the 7’0 Serbian is available at anything after the first pick, do yourself a favor and select him. And for those who were blessed by the fantasy gods with the number 1 nod, congrats. You got yourself a good one.
Sleepers
Bones Hyland
With the departures of Monte Morris and the aforementioned Will Barton, the backcourt seriously lacks punch off the bench. Hyland could very well provide that punch. He showed he was a capable shooter from deep and if he plays 20+ minutes a night his value as a streaming option when chasing threes could come to fruition.
It would also be prudent to keep an eye on Jamal Murray’s status to start the season. If Murray is IR-eligible managers can simply replace him with Bones until he returns.
Busts
Michael Porter Jr
His health is just not something that can be trusted at this point. Many doctors have said it over the years, but there is only so much you can do for a bad back. At the age of 24 with this many procedures on such a tough region to treat the likelihood of a setback seems likely if not probable.
For more great analysis check out all of our 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball Team Previews!