Marcus Smart signing a missed opportunity for Nuggets due to perfect prototype……
The Denver Nuggets missed a golden opportunity by not pursuing Marcus Smart, a player who fits their needs almost perfectly. Known for his elite perimeter defense, tenacity, and leadership, Smart could have bolstered the Nuggets’ backcourt, especially on the defensive end where they’ve struggled at times. With Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić anchoring the offense, the addition of Smart would have brought much-needed grit, hustle, and championship-level experience to the rotation.
Smart’s ability to guard multiple positions, orchestrate the offense in spurts, and bring energy every night is the kind of intangible asset championship teams thrive on. His versatility would’ve allowed the Nuggets to deploy creative defensive schemes, potentially neutralizing the guard-heavy attacks of Western Conference rivals like the Suns or Warriors.
Moreover, Smart embodies the kind of two-way intensity coach Michael Malone values. His presence could have helped elevate the Nuggets’ already high defensive ceiling while keeping their offensive flow intact. In the tightly contested Western Conference, adding a player like Smart might have been the difference in repeating as champions. Letting this opportunity slip by — assuming it was feasible — may go down as a strategic misstep for Denver’s front offi
ce.
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