For title-contending Nuggets, reincorporating Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. isn't as easy as it sounds
CBSN
Nikola Jokic simplifies the process, but it will 'require patience' for Denver to reach its ceiling
SAN FRANCISCO -- For a team that has legitimate, external championship expectations for the first time since Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups studded the roster, the Denver Nuggets don't exactly seem tightly wound.
During warmups prior to Friday night's nationally televised matchup against the defending champion Golden State Warriors, the coaches and players on the court broke into uproarious laughter and excitement when 36-year-old forward Jeff Green -- affectionately known as "Uncle Jeff" throughout NBA circles -- threw down a windmill dunk to conclude his pregame routine.
Green's exhibition was followed by an impromptu dunk contest from some of the members of the coaching staff. Player development coach Stephen Graham, a 6-foot-6 former NBA wing, missed his attempt. That was followed by an endearingly self-aware tap-the-backboard layup by relatively diminutive assistant coach Ognjen Stojakovic. The show-stopper, however, came from nine-year NBA vet Darrell Arthur, now a basketball operations associate with the Nuggets, who thundered down the lane for a windmill jam of his own. He had somewhat of an advantage, given his 6-9, athletic frame and the fact that he had already worked up a flop sweat while defending Nikola Jokic in the post during his warmup drills, but he was still showered with praise.
