LA JOLLA, Calif. \u2013 There\u2019s the usual rust that\u2019s often present during preseason, but the Nuggets\u2019 slightly tweaked starting lineup hit its stride on the second day of training camp.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust beginning, but what\u2019s beginning looks dangerous and impactful,\u201d Nuggets coach David Adelman said of his starters after Wednesday\u2019s practice at UC San Diego. \u201c(There\u2019s) a lot of chemistry there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The chemistry should be about 80% there. Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic return in their previous roles, while Cam Johnson is in line to replace Michael Porter Jr. after the Nuggets and Nets swapped small forwards in the summer. Johnson\u2019s versatility has been lauded in his short time with his third NBA team.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe can be anywhere on the floor,\u201d Murray said of his new running mate. \u201cHe can be the dunker then space out. He can start with the ball and come off a screen. He\u2019s a guy you have to chase. He can start in the corner, come off a DHO (dribble handoff). He has a quick release. He can catch them by surprise and then just go into his shot with no problem. There\u2019s a lot of different things where it\u2019s like, \u2018This will help the whole game unfold for everybody.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
The Nuggets have two more days of practice before the new starting five make their debut in Denver\u2019s preseason opener against the Timberwolves. Murray said the biggest issue for the team is a common one at this point in the preseason \u2013 limiting turnovers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re good. We\u2019re rusty,\u201d Murray said of the starters. \u201cOur timing is a little off right now, but we\u2019re the same five that we\u2019re used to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Denver\u2019s starting point guard received praise for his leadership over the summer, making sure some of the young returners and new veterans like Johnson and Tim Hardaway Jr. were all in the gym together for some pick-up runs in Los Angeles. Murray said the emphasis on team building will continue once the team gets back to Denver and gets into the rhythm of the season. He planned to host a team dinner. For now, the focus is growing together on the court, and his coach said Murray set the tone on both ends Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cJamal was incredible today on both ends,\u201d Adelman said. \u201cPart of leadership is just your approach, not just what you say to your teammates or in the media. It\u2019s how you actually approach each day. They\u2019ve been really good for two days. \u2026 The first group was really good, really good defensively. Just another day of chemistry building.\u201d<\/p>\n
Murray has maintained the longer offseason allowed him and the others who played heavy minutes \u2013 both in the NBA and international competitions \u2013 the last couple of years to properly recharge ahead of another season with championship aspirations.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody came back fresh not only physically but mentally. I think that\u2019s the biggest thing. The body follows the mind, so everybody is in good spirits, and we had a good couple of days,\u201d Murray said.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing off a loss to the champs, having a long offseason I think not just me, but everybody had a chance to recoup and regenerate and come to this training camp with a goal in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
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