All things considered, the Denver Nuggets are doing a fine job of remaining competitive despite a prolonged absence of key free-agent acquisition Paul Millsap. Millsap has not played since the third week of November because of a left wrist injury that needed surgery to correct, but him being sidelined has not caused the Nuggets to go on a spiral descent. In fact, they are in the top eight of the eat-or-get-eaten world of the Western Conference world with a 21-19 record as of this writing.
Millsap is closing in on a return with the most optimistic projection having him back at the All-Star break. It’s terrific news for Denver though Nuggets unicorn big man Nikola Jokic seemed to be content with Millsap being on the sideline, per beat writer T.J. McBride.
Nikola Jokic on how the #Nuggets have won without Paul Millsap in the first half of the season:
"….We don't need him…..(laughs). I'm not kidding. We really need him."
— T.J. McBride (@TJMcBrideNBA) January 10, 2018
Of course he is joking!
On a serious note, the Nuggets are able to keep their heads above water during Millsap’s absence because of a total team effort. Jokic has been great in holding the fort in the middle for Denver, as he is averaging a double-double of 15.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He is getting help from Trey Lyles and Mason Plumlee, who are taking turns in filling in most of the void temporarily left by Millsap at the four-spot. Lyles is producing 10.7 points and 4.9 rebounds, while Plumlee is getting 7.0 points and 5.9 boards.
Jamal Murray has also improved his play in his sophomore year in the NBA, as he is averaging 16.2 points per game.
Things are only bound to get better for Denver once Paul Millsap makes his way back to the court.
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