TITLE: Dudley Tweaks Nuggets’ Defense to Shield Jokic; Jazz Youth Under Review; Thunder Short-Handed in Portland
SLUG: dudley-adjusts-nuggets-defense-jazz-prospects-thunder-injury-update
CONTENT:
DENVER — First-year Nuggets assistant Jared Dudley has been tasked with redesigning Denver’s defense, and his priority is clear: keep Nikola Jokic near the rim and fresh for offense.
“I can’t teach him anything offensively — he’s already got that,” Dudley told the Denver Post on Nov. 5. “But defensively, I can help. I only want him going from Point A to Point B back to the rim, not chasing guards on the wings.”
To achieve that, Dudley is asking Denver’s guards and wings to shoulder extra responsibilities on the perimeter, limiting the two-time MVP’s rotations and conserving his energy.
Jazz examine recent draft classes
In Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen evaluated Utah’s last three drafts, offering a performance check on each young player. Team president of basketball operations Austin Ainge drew praise from Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens, who said Ainge “has a good sense for putting a team together and what wins, both in the regular season and certainly in the playoffs.”
Thunder sit key players against Blazers
The undefeated Thunder will face Portland on Wednesday without three rotation regulars. Guard Alex Caruso (rest), forward Luguentz Dort (right upper trapezius strain) and center Chet Holmgren (lower back sprain) are all listed as out, according to The Oklahoman.
The absences leave Oklahoma City shorthanded as it attempts to extend its perfect start.
Source: Hoops Rumors
