Nuggets Ink

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a wild NBA trade deadline that saw Denver send away Bones Hyland and acquire Thomas Bryant. Among the topics discussed: + After weeks of speculation, Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth finally pulled the trigger on a deal sending Hyland to the L.A. Clippers. With the team getting back just two second-round picks, it's now evident the team felt it needed to remove Hyland from the equation. Was that calculation correct? How did it get to this point? And did the team inadvertently depress his value by not playing him the last couple of weeks? + In another deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets turned Davon Reed and three second-round picks into backup center Thomas Bryant. What will the young post player add to Denver's roster? What will his role be with the Nuggets? Does this improve the team's championship hopes? + The Nuggets weren't the only team making moves at the dea

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene with the NBA trade deadline less than 24 hours away. Among the topics discussed: + Rumors are swirling about Bones Hyland being on the trading block. What is the likelihood he gets traded? Are the Nuggets selling low? + Who are the Nuggets targeting on the trade market beyond small forward? Who are some of the players they might hope to get back? + Who's in the playoff rotation for the Nuggets? + How did the Nuggets celebrate LeBron passing Kareem?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the team's return home from a three-game road trip. Among the topics discussed: + Reports have surfaced that the Nuggets are shopping Bones Hyland ahead of the NBA trade deadline. What are they looking to get in return? Is this simply a win-now move? How would a trade affect the rest of the rotation? + Joel Embiid got the best of Nikola Jokic in the final game of the Nuggets' three-game trip. How might that game affect the MVP race? What can be learned from the performances of both players? Are there any red flags that popped up in the loss? + Michael Porter Jr. returned to the lineup after taking a leave from the team as he tended to his family in the wake of a fatal car crash that allegedly involved his brother. What was his state of mind upon returning? + We take questions from readers, including one wondering about specific players who could be acquired at the deadline and a

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer visits with Denver forward Aaron Gordon amid his best, most efficient season of his NBA career. Among the topics discussed: + What went into Gordon's offseason? What did he work on within his game? Where did he go? What did he do? + What goals has he made for himself as a player? How did those develop over time from his rookie season until now? And what has he done to realize those? How does he evaluate his own performances? What are the things he looks for when critiquing his own game? + Now two years into his time in Denver, what's his impression of the Nuggets and the culture that has been built within the franchise? What makes it so unique within the NBA? And what's it like to play alongside Nikola Jokic? + With an All-Star bid a distinct possibility, Gordon reflects on what it would mean to make the All-Star team.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert are joined by The Athletic's Sam Amick to talk a multitude of Nuggets topics. Among the topics discussed: + The Nuggets are sitting in first place in the Western Conference with an improving defense and one of the best offenses in the NBA. Just how real are the Nuggets' title chances? Where does the defense need to get to in order to get over the top and reach the Finals? + Sam Amick weighs in with his thoughts on Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth and what he's done early on handling the team's roster. What are his impressions of the new GM's approach thus far as a steward of Nikola Jokic's prime? Where can Booth add to supplement his team's chances at a title? + Who on the Nuggets roster might be able to bring something valuable back in a trade? How is Bones Hyland viewed around the league? Would anyone want to take on Michael Porter Jr. and his contract? + Amick gives his thoughts on Jokic

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene with the Nuggets in first place and about to begin an extended homestand. Among the topics discussed: + The Christmas night game against the Phoenix Suns produced one of the first signature moments of the season: Aaron Gordon's hellacious dunk over Landry Shamet. Mike and Matt revisit that night, that moment and the Nuggets' recent surge with nine wins in their last 12 games. + Buy or sell: Will Bruce Brown keep up his career year from the 3-point line? Will Jamal Murray re-gain his shooting stroke from outside? Will Aaron Gordon make his first All-Star team? Will the Nuggets be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? And will the Nuggets finish the regular season with the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference? + Mike answers questions from listeners, including one wondering why Christian Braun's defensive contributions aren't giving him more minutes, and another who wants to know who

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a big win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Among the topics discussed: + Rookie forward Christian Braun was given his first NBA start Tuesday night due to injuries in the starting five, and the Nuggets promptly delivered their most impressive defensive showing of the season. Does correlation equal causation? If not, what can Denver do to solve its defensive woes? + Michael Porter Jr. has now missed 13 games in a row. At what point should the Nuggets start being worried about his long-term health and availability? How long before he returns to the lineup in full health? + The second unit remains a work in progress more than a third of the way into the season. Who should Michael Malone trust? Who needs more minutes? Who needs their minutes pulled back? Is Bones Hyland consistent enough to lean on as the leader of the bench mob? + Nikola Jokic is back to doing things only Wilt Chamberla

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a rough three-game stretch for Denver. Among the topics discussed: + The Nuggets lost a tough one against the Dallas Mavericks at home on Tuesday night in a game that went down the wire. What did we learn from that game and what we saw from the team? + Bones Hyland got an early hook from head coach Michael Malone in New Orleans on Sunday, but responded the next game against Dallas. What changed over those two nights? And what does Bones' response say about his development as a player? + The Nuggets' two-game road trip last weekend featured a pair of dispiriting losses in Atlanta and New Orleans, with Malone sticking to rotations despite his reserves' continued struggles. A few nights later, Malone responded by making changes on the wing (Christian Braun) and post (Zeke Nnaji). Is this a turning point for the rotation? And what insight can be gleaned from the changes made by Malon

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert are joined by NBA insider Burton Chawla to talk about Aaron Gordon's terrific start to the season. Among the topics discussed: + Aaron Gordon is playing some of the best basketball of his career, with near career highs across the board. What's changed for Gordon this season? What's he done to make him a more productive player? And what's his ceiling? + Jamal Murray went for 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting in Monday night's win over the Houston Rockets, playing perhaps his best offensive game since returning from ACL surgery. What was the most impressive thing about the performance? How soon will this become a regular thing again? + With injuries and illnesses piling up, Vlatko Cancar has suddenly cracked the rotation for the Nuggets and is thriving. Could this be a regular thing for the Nuggets and Cancar? + We also dig into a number of other rotation developments: Davon Reed taking Christian Br

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver's miracle win over the Mavericks in Dallas. Among the topics discussed: + The short-handed Nuggets pulled off a stunning win over the Mavericks on Sunday night in a win that included a halfcourt heave from Vlatko Cančar and a breakout performance from Bones Hyland. Where does this win rank among the team's most improbable victories of the Michael Malone era? And what does it say about this team? + Bones Hyland went from one of his worst performances of the season to his best. What changed between last Friday and Sunday night? Does the performance serve as a path forward for Hyland in his journey toward stardom? + In the wake of his 31-point explosion in Chicago, Michael Porter Jr. submitted a pair of duds as soon as Nikola Jokic entered the lineup. Just a bad shooting stretch? Or is this another indication of how important Jokic and Jamal Murray are to setting up MPJ's off

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver's 3-1 road trip across two time zones. Among the topics discussed: + Michael Porter Jr. bounced back in a big way in Chicago, responding from a subpar game in Boston with a 31-point smoke show in Chicago. What does that performance say about the young wing's growth as a player? Another sign of increased maturity for the team's third star? + The Nuggets have played an absolutely brutal schedule to start the season, with just four home games out of 13. And yet, they find themselves at the top of the Western Conference standings. Is this an indication the Nuggets are ready to meet the high expectations that have been set for them? + Despite some uneven play from DeAndre Jordan, backup big Zeke Nnaji still has yet to get a shot at a consistent role with the second unit. Is this something we can expect to see throughout the season? What's keeping from seeing the floor on a nigh

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver blasted the Spurs to move to 4-0 at Ball Arena. Among the topics discussed: + Bones Hyland played his best game of the season coming off the bench against San Antonio on Saturday night. What clicked for the second-year player? Can he keep up his red-hot 3-point shooting? What does his recent play mean for the second unit? + Michael Porter Jr. looks healthy and spry playing more than 28 minutes a night. Among the developments: MPJ is thriving alongside Hyland with the second unit. Why has that pairing worked as well as it has? Should the Nuggets consider bringing Porter off the bench as a super sixth man? + Jamal Murray finally had a moment on the road in Oklahoma City, including a reverse dunk that helped stem the tide in a game that nearly slipped away from the Nuggets. Are we at the point where Murray will shed the minutes restriction? Is Old Murray already back? + The

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver blasted the Lakers to move to 3-2 through five games. Among the topics discussed: + Michael Porter Jr. missed his first game of the season with what the team called "lumbar management" and coach Michael Malone later clarified as a "back spasm." What's to be taken from the mixed messaging? Is this something to be concerned about? Or simply the team beginning its season-long management of a player with a checkered health history? + In MPJ's absence, Bruce Brown rained down 3s upon the Lakers, while doing a little bit of everything else along the way. Is Brown one of the bigger steals in free agency? Does his presence give the Nuggets insurance should they need to sit MPJ for extended periods of time? + Jamal Murray's return to the court has been up and down, with the team's starting point guard occasionally showing flashes on the offensive end, while simultaneously struggl

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert discuss the season opener and Jamal Murray's return to the court. Among the topics discussed: + The Nuggets lost their season opener in a lackluster performance against the Utah Jazz. What were some of the positives that could be taken from the 123-102 setback? And some of the negatives? And how did Murray look in his first regular season game in 18 months? + Singer fields a handful of listener questions from Twitter, including: What's up with Zeke Nnaji not getting any minutes on opening night? Does coach Michael Malone need to adjust his message to the team? Can Bones Hyland average 20 points per game? Why doesn't Denver have a better plan offensively when Nikola Jokic isn't on the court? Will Ish Smith get more playing time? Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "Follow the Leader" The Trujillo Company

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene with the start of the regular season less than a week away. Among the topics discussed: + Nikola Jokic (wrist) and Jamal Murray (thigh) both sat out preseason games while nursing injuries. Reason for concern? Just the team being extra cautious? Does this say something about how the team will handle their star players' health this season? + The Nuggets won back-to-back preseason games, with Michael Porter Jr. looking lithe, Bruce Brown throwing down the defensive clamps and rookie Christian Brain doing a little bit of everything. What are the takeaways from the team's performances? + Looking to the season ahead, Singer decides whether or not he's buying or selling a handful of potential storylines for the Nuggets. Among them: Denver Nuggets, top five defense? Nikola Jokic, triple-double season? Bruce Brown, closing out games? Zeke Nnaji, breakout season? The title window is wide open?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene following the Nuggets' first preseason game at Ball Arena. Among the topics discussed: + What are the first impressions of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. in their returns from long-term injuries? How long will it take the Nuggets to integrate the two stars back into their system? And just how much should be expected of them early on? + Which of the new additions to the roster have been the most impressive early on? Who looks primed to make the biggest impact? Is there a potential breakout player emerging on the Nuggets' bench? + It was revealed that that Nuggets and general manager Calvin Booth reached a long-term extension ahead of the 2022-23 season. What does that extension mean for the franchise, and how will it affect the day-to-day decision-making of the club? + Singer and Schubert close out the show with five burning questions, including a look at the team's over-under win

In a special edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast presented by Evoca TV, beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by journeyman point guard Ish Smith at the team's training camp in La Jolla, Calif., to discuss a myriad of topics. An undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest in 2010, Smith has played for 12 teams during a winding NBA career. Smith talks about his journey through the NBA, what makes the Nuggets a special organization and how he modeled his game off watching J.J. Barea one night early in his career. Smith's pass-first mentality extends beyond the game and has forged relationships for which he is known by teammates, coaches and front office personnel. After playing sparingly in his first six seasons, Smith still sees himself as a viable option with plenty of juice and minutes remaining in his reputable quick-twitch legs.

In a special edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast presented by Evoca TV, beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by second-year point guard Bones Hyland at ViewHouse Ballpark in downtown Denver to discuss a myriad of topics. In just his second season, Hyland has risen from slept-on late first-round draft pick to the backup point guard on a championship-contending NBA backcourt. Over the course of 40 minutes, Hyland talks about his connection to the city of Denver, while dishing on toughest players to guard, most nerve-racking arenas and developing a winning routine. Listen long enough and you can catch a bonus audio track from Hyland -- aka Bizzy — titled "Rags to Riches...Vlone."

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast presented by Evoca TV, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert look ahead of the 2022-23 season and a big live event in downtown Denver. Among the topics discussed: + What can be taken from Nikola Jokic's performance at EuroBasket? Could he be in line for yet another MVP campaign. What will it take for voters to hand him the award for a third straight season? + What's the word on Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray's health with the start of the season fast approaching? How will the Nuggets handle their two stars coming off long-term injuries? Will there be minutes or games restrictions? Should there be? + What will the Nuggets depth chart look like without everyone back and healthy? Where will players slot in? + Is the Northwest Division the Nuggets' to lose now that Utah is in full rebuild mode? How will they stack up against the rest of the Western Conference?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the draft and opening hours of NBA free agency. Among the topics discussed: + Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth was aggressive at the start of free agency, signing veteran center DeAndre Jordan and wing Bruce Brown within 24 hours of the negotiation period opening in the NBA. Why did Booth target these two players? What were his goals entering free agency? And did he achieve those goals with his two signings, re-upping with Davon Reed and signing Nikola Jokic to a supermax extension? + In his first draft as the Nuggets' top decision-maker, Booth selected Kansas wing Christian Braun and UCLA wing Peyton Watson with the No. 21 and 30 picks, respectively. What made these two prospects such attractive options for Booth? Should we expect either, or both, to contribute right away? + Within days of the draft, Booth executed his second trade as Nuggets GM, sending Monte Morris and Wil