For the first time in a long time, the NBA title chase appears to be wide open heading into the offseason.

Injuries to Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant — the latter of whom will likely be sidelined for all of the 2019-20 season — mean the Golden State Warriors juggernaut will likely go dormant for at least one year.

Without any clear favorite to fill the void, we’re entering one of those rare times in the NBA where 8-10 teams feel like they have a legitimate shot to win the title. And none of them are delusional.

Count The Ringer’s Bill Simmons as one national pundit who sees the Nuggets in the mix.

Talking with Ryen Russillo on his latest podcast, Simmons declared the Nuggets at 20/1 the “sleeping giant” among the darkhorse NBA championship contenders in Vegas’ title odds (discussion starts at 1:17:30).

The Nuggets sat ninth in Bovada’s NBA championship odds as of Monday, with the L.A. Lakers vaulting all the way up to the top spot at 2.5/1 after trading for Anthony Davis last weekend. After that, it’s the Milwaukee Bucks (5.5/1), Toronto Raptors (6/1), Warriors (7.5/1), Houston Rockets (8.5/1), Philadelphia 76ers (10/1), L.A. Clippers (14/1) and Boston Celtics (18/1). The Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder round out the top 10 at 22/1.

Of course, so much can happen between now and October to swing those odds one way or another. But at least for now, hope springs eternal in the Association, including the Nuggets.

— Matt Schubert, The Denver Post

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What’s on Tap?

Rockies : At Arizona Diamondbacks, 7:40 p.m. Tuesday, ATTRM | Buy tickets

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Must-Read

Ask John Elway about his first memories of Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and he’ll take you back to Jan. 11, 1987, on a snowy afternoon in Cleveland. Read more…

The Rockies got punched in the mouth this past weekend. What could have been a four-game sweep of Padres to send Colorado into a nine-game West Coast road trip with a gust of momentum turned into a 2-2 split, with both losses coming in disastrous fashion. Read more…

Broncos beat writer Ryan O’Halloran fields questions from readers, including one worried that Emmanuel Sanders’ prime might be over. Read more…

Quick Hits

+ Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis: No time crunch in process to find Pat Bowlen’s successor.

+ Another week, another NL player of the week nod for one of the Colorado Rockies.

+ A few of the parking lots around Broncos Stadium could soon be home to high rises and mixed-use development.

+ At the College World Series, Michigan continued to surprise, while Texas Tech stayed alive.

+ After 16 seasons in the NFL, journeyman quarterback Josh McCown retires.

+ The CU Buffs men’s basketball team continues to schedule tough for the 2019-20 season.

+ CU Buffs forward Frank Ryder looking to contribute for hometown team.

+ Duke’s Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett top list of forwards in 2019 NBA draft.

+ Kyrie Irving’s destruction from within the Celtics locker room affected the team’s bid to trade for Anthony Davis.

+ Here’s one party that isn’t buying the Lakers as NBA title favorites in the wake of the Brow trade.

+ The Toronto Raptors’ championship parade was marred by violence on Monday.

+ It’s time for a family vacation for Tiger Woods after a rough U.S. Open.

Post Mailbag forms

+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.

+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.

+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.

+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.

By The Numbers

1.5 million

Approximate number of votes Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado has received thus far in all-star voting, good enough for fifth-most overall in the National League. Read more…

Parting Shot

From her perch in front of a TV in Florida, Amy Bockerstette had no doubt. How could she, after she and Gary Woodland had come this far together. Read more…

Get in Touch

If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.