Making sense of GM Calvin Booth's first free agency and draft as top decision-maker

Nuggets Ink

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the draft and opening hours of NBA free agency. Among the topics discussed: + Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth was aggressive at the start of free agency, signing veteran center DeAndre Jordan and wing Bruce Brown within 24 hours of the negotiation period opening in the NBA. Why did Booth target these two players? What were his goals entering free agency? And did he achieve those goals with his two signings, re-upping with Davon Reed and signing Nikola Jokic to a supermax extension? + In his first draft as the Nuggets' top decision-maker, Booth selected Kansas wing Christian Braun and UCLA wing Peyton Watson with the No. 21 and 30 picks, respectively. What made these two prospects such attractive options for Booth? Should we expect either, or both, to contribute right away? + Within days of the draft, Booth executed his second trade as Nuggets GM, sending Monte Morris and Will Barton to Washington for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith. What does this mean for the Nuggets' backcourt rotations? Did Booth upgrade the team's roster? + Where do the Nuggets now stand in the Western Conference pecking order? And is Minnesota suddenly a threat in the division? + Lastly, Mike shares some stories from his recent trip to North Carolina, including a visit with Sir Charles himself.