The up-and-coming trio of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris are being deemed “untouchable” by the Denver Nuggets, according to TJ McBride of Mile High Sports. The three players, all 24 or younger, are viewed as the future pillars of the franchise and the ones who will eventually rid the Mile High City of a five-year curse that has kept them from the playoffs.
Jokic is the team's unquestioned best player, while Murray reportedly had been rock-solid as an untouchable piece in the franchise dating back to last season, when he initially had to fight for the starting point guard position — eventually winning it over former Nugget Emmanuel Mudiay.
Harris, who showed the most backcourt potential heading into 2017-18, had a shakier vibe, as it was he who was in the midst of rumors during the 2017 NBA Draft. According to reports, Harris would have landed with the Indiana Pacers as Kevin Love came to Denver in a three-team trade that would have sent Paul George to the Cleveland Cavaliers — a deal that infamously fell apart after the Pacers' front office pulled back.
Harris has now earned his status as an untouchable player through his constant growth as a player and unmatchable work ethic — two traits that have carried him to be one of the best up-and-coming two-way prospects in the league.
It was Harris who led his team in steals last season with 1.8 per game, as well as shooting a formidable 48.5 percent from the floor, a hair under 40 percent from deep, and a steady 82.7 percent from the foul line.
All five of the Nuggets' starters and sixth man Will Barton averaged 10 points or more last season — a sign of ultimate consistency. Jokic, Murray and Harris were the team's three top scorers, with all three putting up 16 or more points per game in 2017-18.
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