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NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Every team’s best case scenario

By John Hugar

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /
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Nuggets, Nikola Jokic
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Denver Nuggets

Is this the year they finally take that leap? They were so close last year, and anything short of a playoff berth would be a massive disappointment. It’s easy to see them getting there; Jokic has gotten better every year, and likely has another gear that we haven’t seen yet while Jamal Murray and Gary Harris are quietly evolving into quite an impressive backcourt.

Let’s be honest, though: we want to talk about Isaiah.

Yes, he’ll a backup, but he’ll be the most intriguing backup in the league, and he could have a considerable effect on how far the Nuggets go. We don’t know if he’s washed up, but we know it’s not historically great for point guards to be in his position. So, what’s the absolute best they could get out of him? Well, I don’t think Peak Celtics Isaiah is coming back, but let’s talk about the version that showed up in February of 2015. In his first half-season with the Celtics, Thomas an absolutely dominant sixth man, averaging 19 a game. If he really is fully recovered from his injury, he could operate in a similar role for the Nuggets, giving them an undefendable player off the bench. He could also be totally done, but hey, these are best-case scenarios.

Honestly, even if Thomas does nothing significant for the Nuggets, this team should still win based on what they already have. If he becomes a sixth man of the year candidate? Expect them to barge their way into the second round.