In my opinion, I feel MPJ's contract is the reason why they are in the position they are in now. I knew once they gave him that contract it would supersede his actual value for their team and force the Nuggets to make tough financial decisions on other players
Yea, ultimately he's not as good as his contract. Not yet (or consistently) anyway.
Having a front-loaded team is "fine" but after you pay an all-nba 1st team guy (Jokic) and a fringe all star (Murray) their bread, that 3rd guy probably has to be a fringe all star himself or better. Which is the level they needed Maga to play at for DEN to have gotten by MIN and probably find themselves back in the NBA Finals.
Same situation with MIN, they're good enough.. if KAT plays to his value. But if (when) he doesn't... well, shyt gets tough.