On NBA Today, Kendrick Perkins delivers a blunt assessment of the Denver Nuggets, stating they are not true contenders despite their past success. He highlights concerns about their performance against a weakened Memphis Grizzlies team, suggesting the Nuggets lack the consistent depth and resilience needed to compete at the highest level during playoff runs. Brian Windhorst joins the discussion, acknowledging Perkins’ critique and admitting it’s difficult to argue with the reasoning behind it.
The conversation focuses on the Nuggets' recent struggles, particularly in high-pressure moments and defensive intensity. While the team still features star talent, questions remain about their ability to sustain excellence when facing elite competition. The analysis underscores that championship-caliber teams must perform consistently across all phases of play, something the Nuggets have yet to fully demonstrate.