Nuggs season preview: What gives you hope for the Denver Nuggets?

The Nuggets’ season is tipping off, and Nikola Jokic gives Denver fans plenty of reasons to watch. But how much reason is there to believe this roster can make a deep playoff run?

Jake Shapiro joins The Drive with Zach Bye and Will Petersen filling in for Phillip Lindsay to discuss the tension between opening-night optimism and concerns about Denver’s roster construction. Zach is choosing to stay hopeful and open-minded, while Jake sees a team capable of winning 50 games if Jokic and Jamal Murray stay healthy—but potentially facing another second-round exit.

The conversation breaks down four areas Jake believes hurt Denver last season: three-point shooting, perimeter defense, rebounding and playmaking. He questions how much the Nuggets addressed those weaknesses and whether a less talented—but potentially more motivated—bench can help them navigate the regular season.

With the Thunder and Spurs looming as possible playoff obstacles, what would have to change for Denver to outperform those expectations? There’s excitement about another season of Jokic basketball, but real concern about how far this supporting cast can go.

Nuggets fans, what gives you the most hope for this season—and what’s the biggest obstacle between Denver and another championship run? Share your predictions in the comments, like the video and subscribe for more Denver sports coverage from The Drive with Zach Bye and Phillip Lindsay.