The Denver Nuggets had one of the best seasons in recent memory for the team and after dealing with a first round loss to the Golden State Warriors, big changes are coming, as Masai Ujiri left the team as general manager for the Toronto Raptors and the future of George Karl is up in the air.
According to ESPN.com, the Nuggets could be heading into an active period once they name a new GM, as the team is a good fit for a number of players, including Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade, as well as David West and Kyle Korver in free agency, as both are set to hit the market this summer. The Nuggets were one of the most consistent teams in the league this season, but if Karl ends up leaving and the team hires a new GM, they could be ready for some big moves. The first round loss highlighted some depth and size issues for the team and depending on how free agency begins, the team could end up going after some top names, although they likely won't be in the Dwight Howard or Chris Paul sweepstakes.
The Nuggets went through their slow divorce with Carmelo Anthony and with all that behind them, the team could be looking to bring in some top talent again after dealing with injuries in 2012. One of the main issues for the team now is dealing with the departure of Ujiri as general manager, as he has helped keep the team successful through the Anthony trade and also brought in a number of talented players in the draft. His contract with the Nuggets was about to expire in June and instead he decided to return to a team he used to work for in the Raptors, where he once served in the front office and now he will be the executive vice president of basketball operations.
The 42-year-old front office star turned the Nuggets into a consistent contender in the West and the team won a franchise best 57 games this past season and were amazing at home, going 38-3 before losing to the Warriors. The Nuggets now have to bring in a new GM and the team has big questions, including who to go after in free agency. West has played himself into a decent contract with his play during the postseason and Korver could be a good secondary option if the team doesn't like how free agency plays out.
Denver ranked first in the league in scoring and 23rd in points allowed and the team was consistent all year scoring the basketball. The team was efficient under Karl while ranking second in rebounding and third in assist per game and now they have to try and keep that up with a new GM.