Today ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon wrote an article to analyze the hidden dangers of the Nuggets next season, all of which are as follows.

The Denver Nuggets significantly improved the team's depth in the summer by introducing Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr. and 2023 champion Bruce Brown. There is no doubt that this will be the strongest substitute in the Nikola Jokic era.

However, the Nuggets' defensive problems remain. Last season, they ranked 21st in defensive efficiency, conceding 115.1 points per 100 rounds, the worst of any playoff team.

Despite the challenges of building a top defense around Jokic, the Nuggets need to at least reach the league average, just like they did when they won the 2022-23 season (at the 15th place in defensive efficiency at the time).

Michael Porter's deal with Cameron Johnson not only cuts salary, but also sacrifices the Nuggets' first-round draft pick in 2032, but the deal does improve the team's defensive ability. However, Aaron Gordon's health may be a key factor in the Nuggets' defense improvement. Last season, he played only 51 games due to a series of (calf) soft tissue injuries, and his injury affected his explosiveness. To make significant progress on the defensive end, Gordon must stay healthy and perform at his best.