The 2024–25 NBA Season is being viewed as the Denver Nuggets’ last dance, as anything less than a championship will be seen as a failure—and prompt management to break the team up. Early on, it appears the Nuggets will go down fighting and might actually have enough talent to make a championship run. In terms of fantasy, that means Denver has got some really good players that could make an impact in fantasy leagues.
We break down the Nuggets next.
(For our previous NBA Roster Insider Drafts, just click here: Atlanta Hawks | Boston Celtics | Brooklyn Nets | Charlotte Hornets | Chicago Bulls | Cleveland Cavaliers | Dallas Mavericks)
Your Main Man: Nikola Jokic
There are no brainers and there is Nikola Jokic.
Put simply, the three-time NBA MVP is the kind of fantasy stud that you pick whenever he is available—no questions asked. Jokic is not just a legitimate walking triple-double but a walking 30-10-10. This season alone, Nikola Jokic has recorded seven triple-doubles as of December 1, and he is putting up 29.7 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 10.6 assists. Hard to top that every-game production, we reckon.
It helps, too, that Jokic also adds 2.4 stocks (steals + blocks) a game, as he gets 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks an outing as well. In other words, Denver’s cornerstone puts up big numbers that translate to wins in real games and in fantasy leagues.
Surefire Studs: Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun
Porter is a scorer, and you can pretty much count on him giving your fantasy team anywhere from 10 to 20 points every game. But he is rounding out to be a fine all-around player, too, and his season averages—18.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.8 steals—attest to that. If nothing else, you’d be getting points and rebounds from Porter.
Denver’s 21st pick in the 2022 NBA Draft is finally getting steady minutes and is playing pretty well for the Nuggets. His hustle, energy, and defense are proving invaluable to Denver’s grand scheme of things this season and his 16.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals can definitely help you in your fantasy league aspirations.
Low-Cost, High-Value Picks: Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson
Once upon a time, Westbrook was in the same boat as Jokic—a walking triple-double. Those days are long gone, but it doesn’t mean the former MVP can’t help you in fantasy. As a low-cost, high-value pick, Westbrook can still give you good production, to the tune of 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. He might even get the occasional triple-double.
Watson, like Braun, is finally getting extended minutes, and he is making the most of his newfound playing time. Quickly getting a reputation as a defensive lynchpin, Watson is norming 9.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.8 stocks (1.0 blocks, 0.8 steals). With his defense, Watson might be looking at more minutes down the road—and that might mean more production.
