And while it is difficult for a team to jump into the always-crowded Western Conference playoff picture, here are four reasons the Nuggets have a chance.

They are healthy

Gallinari last played a full season in 2012-13 and posted 7.2 win shares at 24 years old, so there is upside there. Hickson and Robinson will also be able to provide a spark off the bench.

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Arron Afflalo is back in town

Afflalo’s most productive years were spent in Denver, and he gives the Nuggets a capable scorer following the loss of Andre Iguodala at shooting guard. Plus, Afflalo can hit the three-point shot, especially from the corner (he was 44 for 90 last season).

Those corner three-pointers are key, as Shaw loves to have his team shoot from long range. Last season, the Nuggets attempted more three-point shots than they had at any point in the last 10 years under George Karl, and only eight NBA teams shot more of them.

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Afflalo’s return also means Denver has reunited the five players who went 38-28 during the lockout-shortened season of 2011-12.

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Improved defensive play

The Nuggets were able to force teams to take low-percentage shots last season (0.500 effective field goal percentage against) with Timofey Mozgov doing a good job of reducing the effectiveness of shots in and around the paint.

When healthy, Denver has two centers who an protect the rim to complement their players on the wing who can cover the perimeter. Look for the Nuggets to improve their defense, which allowed 105.4 points per 100 possessions last season.