The Denver Nuggets are entering the 2018-19 campaign with more hype and higher expectations than any season in recent memory. Not since the days of Carmelo Anthony has the attention of both the local and national audience been fixated on Denver to such a degree.
This dynamic has emerged from a medley of factors. Of course, there’s the budding stardom of of Nikola Jokic, the seeming lack of a ceiling to Gary Harris’ game, and the mouth-watering prospect of Jamal Murray reaching his full potential. But what has head coach Michael Malone so excited about the upcoming season isn’t just the talent his front office as amassed, nor is it the return of the hype.