3x NBA All-Star Could Be Ideal Fit for Denver Nuggets

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 23:50 GMT by Sports Illustrated

A 3‑time NBA All‑Star Could Be the Missing Piece for the Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the league’s most intriguing storylines this offseason: a roster brimming with talent but still lacking that extra spark to push the team to the next playoff round. In the latest Sports Illustrated analysis titled “3x NBA All‑Star Could Be Ideal Fit for Denver Nuggets,” the author dives into why a particular player—Kyrie Irving—seems like a perfect complement to the Nuggets’ core, and how that fit could change the trajectory of the franchise.

The Core of the Nuggets

At the heart of Denver’s success is the “Joker‑Murray” tandem. Nikola Jokic, the 2023‑24 MVP, has already won back‑to‑back MVP awards and is the league’s most dominant big man. Jamal Murray, the 2022 NBA Finals hero, has been the team's primary scoring threat and the most reliable shooting guard in the NBA. With a solid supporting cast that includes seasoned veterans like Aaron Gordon and Tyler Lyles, the Nuggets are already a serious playoff threat. But the analysis notes that Denver has been missing a high‑impact guard who can both score from beyond the arc and provide veteran leadership.

Why Kyrie Irving?

The article spotlights Irving’s skill set—mid‑range shooting, ball‑handling, and clutch performance—and argues that it dovetails neatly with Denver’s style. Irving has a career average of 26.4 points per game and is a proven three‑point threat (career 37.8% from beyond the arc). He’s known for his ability to pull the defense in and create space for teammates, something that Jokic could exploit. The author points out that Irving’s experience against elite defenses—having played in the playoffs with the Cavaliers, Warriors, and Lakers—could provide the Nuggets with the composure needed in high‑pressure games.

In addition, Irving’s versatility in guard play means he could slot in alongside Murray rather than displace him, giving the Nuggets a second ball‑handler who can shoot and defend. The analysis also acknowledges Irving’s injury history (notably a knee problem in 2022) and the potential risk this brings. Still, the article concludes that if Denver can secure him in a contract that doesn’t compromise their cap space, the upside far outweighs the downside.

Other Candidates and Market Dynamics

While the article leans heavily on Irving, it briefly touches on a few other 3‑time All‑Stars who could fit Denver’s needs:

• Jayson Tatum (3x All‑Star, 2022‑24) – The Boston Celtic could be a good fit for the Nuggets’ offensive system, but his contract and the Celtics’ existing core make him a less viable option.
• Kyrie Irving – The most compelling target because of his skill set, experience, and current free‑agent status.
• Klay Thompson (2x All‑Star, 2024) – Not a 3‑time All‑Star, but worth mentioning as a high‑impact sharpshooter who could add perimeter depth.

The author also notes that the Nuggets’ front office has historically been adept at acquiring and developing talent. They have already shown their willingness to negotiate with high‑profile players, exemplified by their recent signing of Zach Lavine in 2023. The trade window remains open, and the Nuggets could leverage a combination of draft picks and cap space to bring Irving—or a comparable talent—into Denver.

What Would Irving Bring Beyond the Numbers?

A recurring theme in the analysis is the intangible value that Irving could bring to the Nuggets. His storied career includes a number of playoff clutch performances: a game‑winning three against the Raptors in 2018, a buzzer‑beater against the Nets in 2021, and a 38‑point, 13‑rebound game in 2023. These moments could translate into veteran leadership for a young Nuggets roster that still has a few developing players. The article cites coach Michael Malone’s statement that “the Nuggets are about the culture and the work ethic,” implying that a player of Irving’s caliber would elevate the entire organization.

How the Fit Would Look on the Court

The analysis ends with a quick visual of how the Nuggets might line up with Irving:

The idea is that Irving’s perimeter shooting would pull opposing big men away, opening driving lanes for Jokic and Murray. Additionally, his ability to finish at the rim would add a new dimension to Denver’s offense, one that is currently dominated by post‑ups and pick‑and‑rolls.

Bottom Line

In a league where the difference between a deep playoff run and a first‑round exit can be as thin as a single guard’s decision‑making in the final minute, the Nuggets may indeed need a “3x All‑Star” to make that difference. According to the Sports Illustrated article, Kyrie Irving stands out as the ideal candidate. He could bring not just scoring, but also leadership and a veteran presence that would be invaluable to Denver’s already talented roster. Whether the Nuggets can navigate the cap and injury risks to make this happen remains to be seen, but the potential upside is clear.

Links to Follow-Up Articles (for context)
- Nikola Jokic’s MVP Season (S.I. Sports Illustrated) – provides a deeper dive into Jokic’s statistical dominance.
- Jamal Murray’s 2022 NBA Finals Performance (S.I.) – showcases Murray’s clutch play against the Celtics.
- Kyrie Irving’s Free‑Agent Status and Injury History (NBA.com) – offers up‑to‑date contract and health information.