A year ago, when they won the NBA championship, the Denver Nuggets were being tabbed by many as a potential dynasty in the making.
But they took a significant step backward this season when they were up-ended in the second round of the playoffs by the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves.
It instantly condensed a somewhat dark cloud over the Nuggets in terms of their immediate future, and some of the consternation had to do with the fact that starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would be able to opt out of his contract this summer.
That is exactly what he has decided to do, per Legion Hoops.
BREAKING: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will decline his player option with the Nuggets and is now a free agent, per @ShamsCharania
Which team should sign him? 👀 pic.twitter.com/QxHtv2eUSv
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 27, 2024
Caldwell-Pope came to the Nuggets two years ago in a trade with the Washington Wizards, and he instantly brought 3-point shooting and championship experience.
He proved to be the final piece to their puzzle, and he shot a career-high 42.3 percent from 3-point range last season as Denver won it all.
Denver has become a power because they share the ball and make that extra pass that leads to open shots, and also because they have multiple players who are capable of consistently knocking down those open shots.
The Nuggets already lacked depth this year beyond their outstanding starting five, and if Caldwell-Pope leaves, it would be hard for them to find a suitable replacement.
Perhaps Christian Braun, a second-year 6-foot-6 guard who emerged this season as a solid contributor, would move into the starting lineup, but that would leave the Nuggets’ bench extremely thin.
They’re starting to learn why it is so hard to go from one championship to a true dynasty.
NEXT:
Nuggets Are Reportedly Working On Extension With Key Player
