Nuggets Ink

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the Nuggets eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round to set up a showdown with the Phoenix Suns. Among the topics discussed: + Don't call him Bubble Jamal. That's Playoff Jamal to you. Jamal Murray once again rose to the occasion under the bright lights of the NBA Playoffs. Nikola Jokic called him the best player in the series against Minnesota. If this is the Murray the Nuggets get all postseason, is it time to start planning the championship parade? + Up next is the Phoenix Suns and their star-driven, yet thin lineup led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul. What advantages can the Nuggets exploit in this series? Which team has the better starting five? How much will the Nuggets' relative depth advantage play a role? + Nothing has been decided on the other side of the bracket, where Lakers-Grizzlies and Warriors-Kings are now headed for Game 6s. Of the f

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the Nuggets put the smackdown on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round series. Among the topics discussed: + Denver absolutely manhandled Minnesota without even getting an A-plus game from superstar center Nikola Jokic. What does this say about the T-Wolves' chances? Will Jokic be held below 20 points again in this series? + Jamal Murray got his playoff legs in the second half after a slow start in Game 1. What did Murray have to say about the game afterward? What does this mean for the Nuggets going forward? + Christian Braun is already flexing his muscle as a playoff irritant, gutting under Kyle Anderson's skin in the waning moments of Sunday night's blowout. Singer gives his thoughts on the dust-up and what makes Braun such a nuisance for opposing teams. + Singer and Schubert react to the opening three days of the NBA playoffs, as things appear to be break

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer is joined by longtime NBA journalist Howard Beck days before the start of the playoffs. Among the topics discussed: + Are the Nuggets legit NBA title contenders? What are their vulnerabilities? What are outsiders underestimating about the team with the top record in the Western Conference? And why does it feel like they are being overlooked? + What is the national perception of Jamal Murray two years removed from tearing his ACL in the Bay Area? Is he a worthy No. 2 on a team that has expectations of chasing the NBA title? + Mike and Howard talk about a deep dive Howard did on Nikola Jokic prior to him hitting superstardom back in 2017, when the two sat down for lunch together in downtown Denver. What has changed about Jokic over time? + How much does the noise factor into the MVP race? Has Jokic done himself a disservice by not lobbying more for the award?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert are joined by ESPN NBA reporter Ohm Youngmisuk in the wake of the Nuggets-76ers showdown that wasn't. Among the topics discussed: + The much-anticipated face-off between MVP front-runners Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid turned out to be a dud, with Embiid unable to play due to a calf injury. What impact does Embiid's DNP have on the MVP race? Is the award now Jokic's to lose? Or will this come down to how things shake out over the next two weeks? + The MVP debate has become increasingly toxic in recent weeks — a development that appears to be grating on both Jokic and Embiid. Do both players care more about winning the award than they let on? + The Western Conference standings remain incredibly tight below the top three seeds. Which teams do the Nuggets want to avoid most in the first round? Should Denver really want to avoid the Lakers? Can the Mavs get it together soon enough to be a threat? Is G

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene with the Nuggets struggling through a losing streak during the dog days of the NBA schedule. Among the topics discussed: + The Nuggets have lost four games in a row, with some concerning trends popping up. What's the concern level with the team? Are they tired? Bored? Is there a chance they could lose their grip on the top spot in the Western Conference? + Michael Porter Jr. was benched at the end of the Nuggets' home loss to the Brooklyn Nets in favor of Christian Braun. Are we really doing this again? Hasn't MPJ earned the right to have a bad quarter without there being repercussions? + The bench continues to scuffle, with trade deadline additions Reggie Jackson and Thomas Bryant struggling to establish themselves. Do the Nuggets have enough time to incorporate their new pieces? Who will coach Michael Malone trust come playoff time? + ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins had some contr

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene as the Nuggets gear up for the stretch run of the regular season. Among the topics discussed: + Nikola Jokic is now the prohibitive favorite to win a third consecutive MVP award... despite being picked second to last in the All-Star Game. How surprising is it that the margin has grown so wide between him and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo? Is it deserved? The boys debate that and dig into Jokic's time at All-Star weekend. + Bones Hyland was greeted by boos in his return to Ball Arena as a Clipper last weekend. Was that reaction from the Nuggets fans fair? What do we make of his comments, and the comments of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth, in the weeks following his trade to L.A.? + Michael Porter Jr. has come on of late, including a couple of big baskets late against the Clippers last week. What's clicking for MPJ? + Mike fields questions from his Twitter followers, including on

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer chats with former Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf following the release of his Showtime documentary "Stand." Among the topics discussed: + Abdul-Rauf talk about his rise above meager beginnings in Gulfport, Miss., and what basketball did for him as a young man who grew up in poverty in a single-family home. + Mike and Abdul-Rauf explore the circumstances around his exile from the NBA after declining to stand for the national anthem prior to games, including his interactions with the league, teammates, fans and media. + Abdul-Rauf reflects on his time in Denver, both in the community and on the court, as well as his relationship with the Nuggets franchise. He also addresses what he thinks would be an adequate apology from the league given the abrupt end to his career.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a wild NBA trade deadline that saw Denver send away Bones Hyland and acquire Thomas Bryant. Among the topics discussed: + After weeks of speculation, Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth finally pulled the trigger on a deal sending Hyland to the L.A. Clippers. With the team getting back just two second-round picks, it's now evident the team felt it needed to remove Hyland from the equation. Was that calculation correct? How did it get to this point? And did the team inadvertently depress his value by not playing him the last couple of weeks? + In another deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets turned Davon Reed and three second-round picks into backup center Thomas Bryant. What will the young post player add to Denver's roster? What will his role be with the Nuggets? Does this improve the team's championship hopes? + The Nuggets weren't the only team making moves at the dea

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene with the NBA trade deadline less than 24 hours away. Among the topics discussed: + Rumors are swirling about Bones Hyland being on the trading block. What is the likelihood he gets traded? Are the Nuggets selling low? + Who are the Nuggets targeting on the trade market beyond small forward? Who are some of the players they might hope to get back? + Who's in the playoff rotation for the Nuggets? + How did the Nuggets celebrate LeBron passing Kareem?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the team's return home from a three-game road trip. Among the topics discussed: + Reports have surfaced that the Nuggets are shopping Bones Hyland ahead of the NBA trade deadline. What are they looking to get in return? Is this simply a win-now move? How would a trade affect the rest of the rotation? + Joel Embiid got the best of Nikola Jokic in the final game of the Nuggets' three-game trip. How might that game affect the MVP race? What can be learned from the performances of both players? Are there any red flags that popped up in the loss? + Michael Porter Jr. returned to the lineup after taking a leave from the team as he tended to his family in the wake of a fatal car crash that allegedly involved his brother. What was his state of mind upon returning? + We take questions from readers, including one wondering about specific players who could be acquired at the deadline and a

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer visits with Denver forward Aaron Gordon amid his best, most efficient season of his NBA career. Among the topics discussed: + What went into Gordon's offseason? What did he work on within his game? Where did he go? What did he do? + What goals has he made for himself as a player? How did those develop over time from his rookie season until now? And what has he done to realize those? How does he evaluate his own performances? What are the things he looks for when critiquing his own game? + Now two years into his time in Denver, what's his impression of the Nuggets and the culture that has been built within the franchise? What makes it so unique within the NBA? And what's it like to play alongside Nikola Jokic? + With an All-Star bid a distinct possibility, Gordon reflects on what it would mean to make the All-Star team.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert are joined by The Athletic's Sam Amick to talk a multitude of Nuggets topics. Among the topics discussed: + The Nuggets are sitting in first place in the Western Conference with an improving defense and one of the best offenses in the NBA. Just how real are the Nuggets' title chances? Where does the defense need to get to in order to get over the top and reach the Finals? + Sam Amick weighs in with his thoughts on Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth and what he's done early on handling the team's roster. What are his impressions of the new GM's approach thus far as a steward of Nikola Jokic's prime? Where can Booth add to supplement his team's chances at a title? + Who on the Nuggets roster might be able to bring something valuable back in a trade? How is Bones Hyland viewed around the league? Would anyone want to take on Michael Porter Jr. and his contract? + Amick gives his thoughts on Jokic

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene with the Nuggets in first place and about to begin an extended homestand. Among the topics discussed: + The Christmas night game against the Phoenix Suns produced one of the first signature moments of the season: Aaron Gordon's hellacious dunk over Landry Shamet. Mike and Matt revisit that night, that moment and the Nuggets' recent surge with nine wins in their last 12 games. + Buy or sell: Will Bruce Brown keep up his career year from the 3-point line? Will Jamal Murray re-gain his shooting stroke from outside? Will Aaron Gordon make his first All-Star team? Will the Nuggets be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? And will the Nuggets finish the regular season with the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference? + Mike answers questions from listeners, including one wondering why Christian Braun's defensive contributions aren't giving him more minutes, and another who wants to know who

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a big win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Among the topics discussed: + Rookie forward Christian Braun was given his first NBA start Tuesday night due to injuries in the starting five, and the Nuggets promptly delivered their most impressive defensive showing of the season. Does correlation equal causation? If not, what can Denver do to solve its defensive woes? + Michael Porter Jr. has now missed 13 games in a row. At what point should the Nuggets start being worried about his long-term health and availability? How long before he returns to the lineup in full health? + The second unit remains a work in progress more than a third of the way into the season. Who should Michael Malone trust? Who needs more minutes? Who needs their minutes pulled back? Is Bones Hyland consistent enough to lean on as the leader of the bench mob? + Nikola Jokic is back to doing things only Wilt Chamberla

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a rough three-game stretch for Denver. Among the topics discussed: + The Nuggets lost a tough one against the Dallas Mavericks at home on Tuesday night in a game that went down the wire. What did we learn from that game and what we saw from the team? + Bones Hyland got an early hook from head coach Michael Malone in New Orleans on Sunday, but responded the next game against Dallas. What changed over those two nights? And what does Bones' response say about his development as a player? + The Nuggets' two-game road trip last weekend featured a pair of dispiriting losses in Atlanta and New Orleans, with Malone sticking to rotations despite his reserves' continued struggles. A few nights later, Malone responded by making changes on the wing (Christian Braun) and post (Zeke Nnaji). Is this a turning point for the rotation? And what insight can be gleaned from the changes made by Malon

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert are joined by NBA insider Burton Chawla to talk about Aaron Gordon's terrific start to the season. Among the topics discussed: + Aaron Gordon is playing some of the best basketball of his career, with near career highs across the board. What's changed for Gordon this season? What's he done to make him a more productive player? And what's his ceiling? + Jamal Murray went for 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting in Monday night's win over the Houston Rockets, playing perhaps his best offensive game since returning from ACL surgery. What was the most impressive thing about the performance? How soon will this become a regular thing again? + With injuries and illnesses piling up, Vlatko Cancar has suddenly cracked the rotation for the Nuggets and is thriving. Could this be a regular thing for the Nuggets and Cancar? + We also dig into a number of other rotation developments: Davon Reed taking Christian Br

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver's miracle win over the Mavericks in Dallas. Among the topics discussed: + The short-handed Nuggets pulled off a stunning win over the Mavericks on Sunday night in a win that included a halfcourt heave from Vlatko Cančar and a breakout performance from Bones Hyland. Where does this win rank among the team's most improbable victories of the Michael Malone era? And what does it say about this team? + Bones Hyland went from one of his worst performances of the season to his best. What changed between last Friday and Sunday night? Does the performance serve as a path forward for Hyland in his journey toward stardom? + In the wake of his 31-point explosion in Chicago, Michael Porter Jr. submitted a pair of duds as soon as Nikola Jokic entered the lineup. Just a bad shooting stretch? Or is this another indication of how important Jokic and Jamal Murray are to setting up MPJ's off

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver's 3-1 road trip across two time zones. Among the topics discussed: + Michael Porter Jr. bounced back in a big way in Chicago, responding from a subpar game in Boston with a 31-point smoke show in Chicago. What does that performance say about the young wing's growth as a player? Another sign of increased maturity for the team's third star? + The Nuggets have played an absolutely brutal schedule to start the season, with just four home games out of 13. And yet, they find themselves at the top of the Western Conference standings. Is this an indication the Nuggets are ready to meet the high expectations that have been set for them? + Despite some uneven play from DeAndre Jordan, backup big Zeke Nnaji still has yet to get a shot at a consistent role with the second unit. Is this something we can expect to see throughout the season? What's keeping from seeing the floor on a nigh

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver blasted the Spurs to move to 4-0 at Ball Arena. Among the topics discussed: + Bones Hyland played his best game of the season coming off the bench against San Antonio on Saturday night. What clicked for the second-year player? Can he keep up his red-hot 3-point shooting? What does his recent play mean for the second unit? + Michael Porter Jr. looks healthy and spry playing more than 28 minutes a night. Among the developments: MPJ is thriving alongside Hyland with the second unit. Why has that pairing worked as well as it has? Should the Nuggets consider bringing Porter off the bench as a super sixth man? + Jamal Murray finally had a moment on the road in Oklahoma City, including a reverse dunk that helped stem the tide in a game that nearly slipped away from the Nuggets. Are we at the point where Murray will shed the minutes restriction? Is Old Murray already back? + The

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver blasted the Lakers to move to 3-2 through five games. Among the topics discussed: + Michael Porter Jr. missed his first game of the season with what the team called "lumbar management" and coach Michael Malone later clarified as a "back spasm." What's to be taken from the mixed messaging? Is this something to be concerned about? Or simply the team beginning its season-long management of a player with a checkered health history? + In MPJ's absence, Bruce Brown rained down 3s upon the Lakers, while doing a little bit of everything else along the way. Is Brown one of the bigger steals in free agency? Does his presence give the Nuggets insurance should they need to sit MPJ for extended periods of time? + Jamal Murray's return to the court has been up and down, with the team's starting point guard occasionally showing flashes on the offensive end, while simultaneously struggl