KCP is going to be a very underrated loss for Denver. He sort of functioned as their "Derrick White/Jrue Holiday", quietly going about his business and not being flashy but producing for the team and contributing to wins including the postseason. Winning player.
I like Saric but I also just think Denver's frontcourt is a bit weak and not as deep. We just saw Minnesota bully Jokic and the Nuggets, and now Hartenstein is with the Thunder too alongside Chet. Lakers still have AD/Lebron and Wemby is also coming
I think I'm gonna zag on KCP. I think the Nuggets made the right move, but I also think the Magic did. His defense has never been as good as people think - he's an above average defender and an above average shooter. He is not a driver or finisher. He's not a passer. He's not a rebounder. He's not a helpside defender. He's not nearly the quality of player that White or Holiday are on either side of the court. He is essentially Avery Bradley.
I do think the Nuggets need a shooter to replace him, but I love their other moves. I think Westbrook is going to have a great season next to Jokic. He's essentially a better Bruce Brown, and I think Jokic will help him. Saric is a fantastic addition as an intelligent forward that can play next to Jokic, or fill in for him at center instead of their other guys.
I anticipate their defense with Watson and Braun could be a bit better next year as well.
Jokic now has a long, long history of helping wings/guards be successful and getting paid - Beasley, Trent Jr., Brown, Grant, Gordon, KCP, Murray, Porter Jr., etc. Some brought more to the table than others, but Jokic made them all as good as they are. I expect him to be able to do the same with Braun and Watson.
