Fansided

NBA Season Preview 2018-19: 10 players who will take the leap this season

By Jacob Mooallem

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, USA – MARCH 21: Trey Lyles (7) of Denver Nuggets in action during the NBA match between Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets at United Center in Chicago, USA on March 21, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, USA – MARCH 21: Trey Lyles (7) of Denver Nuggets in action during the NBA match between Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets at United Center in Chicago, USA on March 21, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

10. Trey Lyles

Very few players were better served by a change of scenery last season than Denver’s Trey Lyles. The Nuggets acquired Lyles on draft night in a trade that sent the No. 13 pick (Donovan Mitchell) to Utah.

Last season saw improvements in almost every statistical area. His defensive rebounding percentage improved from 18 percent to 23.5 percent his effective field goal percentage shot up to 57 from 44, his assist percentage increased and his turnover percentage decreased. He improved his PER from 9.9 to 17.9 and his per-possession statistics have shown strong improvement in spot up shooting, post play, and pick and roll scenarios.

Denver got rid of Darrell Arthur, Wilson Chandler, and Kenneth Faried, all of which should clear up their forward rotation to make room for Lyles and Michael Porter Jr. Porter Jr. should fit nicely as a dynamic 3-and-D small forward alongside Lyles and Jokic, provided he’s healthy enough to play.

Paul Millsap missed more than half of last season with a wrist injury, and his production took a sharp decline upon his arrival in Denver. If he continues to struggle, look for the Nuggets to turn to Lyles as a starting power forward and for Lyles to make an immediate impact.

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