Nuggets' starting lineup shakeup expected to pay off next season

Nuggets' starting lineup shakeup expected to pay off next season originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most interesting teams in the league this offseason, and it might pay off in a big way.

Last season, the Nuggets saw their season end in a Game 7 of the second round for the second straight year. Following some massive changes toward the end of the regular season, the Nuggets did their best to make some noise in the playoffs.

With a full offseason to prepare for next season, the Nuggets’ new front office made some big moves. While the team improved its depth and even gave Nikola Jokic the best backup center of his career, the Nuggets’ headline-stealing move was sending Michael Porter Jr. and a pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson

While Porter was a generally reliable player, Johnson should bring a more team-oriented style of play to go with a similar outside shooting prowess. Add in Johnson’s ability to play multiple positions as well, and he could end up being one of the best additions of the entire offseason.

That same conclusion was made by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, who expects the Johnson deal to be viewed as one of the best of 2025 by this time next summer. Buckley explained that this move was simply a perfect way to add some help for Jokic and company without truly sacrificing anything major.

Although Johnson might not be a step up from Porter in counting stats, what Johnson provides on both ends should easily make up for any decrease in numbers from the starting forward spot.