The Nuggets aren’t taking it lying down: not the criticism from last season’s pratfall or skepticism for their chances this season.
“If there’s one thing that we feel in the locker room and certainly in the front office organizationally, we kind of have a chip on our shoulder after last year,” Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly said Monday. “I think that goes from our young guys to all of our veterans.”
From the Nuggets’ perspective, it has everything to do with a fair evaluation of a 36-win season.
“Last year was not a real fair appraisal of where we are,” Connelly said, citing the team’s numerous injuries.
Yes, the Nuggets have been open in admitting their shortcomings from a season ago. Monday, they were just as open about their excitement and expectation that with a full roster, winning will return in the second season under coach Brian Shaw.
“Certainly with the return of the healthy guys and getting a guy like Arron (Afflalo), it’s kind of a … the excitement level is off the charts right now,” Connelly said. “Why not us? Why not? We were there a couple of years ago, third place in the West, 57 wins. I think our roster perhaps has more depth a couple of years later.
“Brian is fantastic, and I think it’s a pretty unique opportunity and an overall vibe that we have a bunch of guys in their prime that have often been overlooked. You look around at the other Western Conference teams and it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be difficult.”
But doable, the Nuggets say.
After an injury epidemic a season ago, the Nuggets are happy to be whole again. They know a thing or two about practices with just eight players — and games with just three healthy substitutes.
“I’m encouraged by all of our guys … how hard they worked all summer, how much they’ve been in (the Pepsi Center),” Shaw said.
Added Connelly, “The overall mood in our gym is fantastic.”
Asked why he thought the Nuggets would make the jump back into the playoffs, Shaw said: “We have options. It’s because of the fact that we have so many guys and so many different options that we can go to, to match any kind of style.”
PHOTOS: Denver Nuggets Media Day
All of the Nuggets who missed major time — Danilo Gallinari (ACL), J.J. Hickson (ACL), Nate Robinson (ACL) and JaVale McGee (tibia) — are back. They will be brought along slowly during training camp, however, particularly Robinson, who is not fully cleared yet for 5-on-5 action.
“I do see us back in the playoffs,” said Afflalo, who was reacquired by the Nuggets in a draft-day trade with Orlando. “But in my years of service, I understand that talk can just be talk. The talent is definitely here. The skilled players are here. The depth is there. The management, the coaching staff, the hunger. All of that stuff is there. But you’ve got to put it into action. You’ve got to be willing to sacrifice. You’ve got to be willing to focus.”
Christopher Dempsey: cdempsey@denverpost.com or twitter.com/dempseypost
