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By the time Tim Connelly, the Nuggets president of basketball operations, met the media on Friday morning for his season-ending press conference, he’d re-watched his team’s season-ending loss at Minnesota so many times that he could nearly recite every possession of the game – in order.

It was his way of beginning the process of moving forward with what promises to be a busy offseason.

But as he enters offseason mode, the organization’s starting point in making summer roster adjustments is at its most-advance stage in years.

“This is the most confident I've felt in our core group since I've been here,” Connelly said. “I think we have the making of a team that can enjoy sustainably high-level success.”

That is thanks to a burgeoning star in center Nikola Jokic; one of the NBA’s best shooting guards in Gary Harris; and the rapidly-improving young point guard, Jamal Murray.

“Certainly, when you’re on the outside, looking-in you have to address some needs,” Connelly said. “I think there will be some pretty interesting financial decisions we’ll make this offseason. But standing in front of (the media) now, I finally can say with full confidence that we have a core that can be really good for a long time. They all want to be here, and they are all about the right things.”

This season, the Nuggets made their strongest playoff push in five years, finishing 46-36 in the rough-and-tumble Western Conference, just a game outside of the top eight. They improved by six more games over their record in 2016-17, and much of that was due to the Nuggets becoming beasts again at the Pepsi Center. They compiled a 31-10 record at home, which was the fourth-best home record in the NBA.

“I thought (coach Michael Malone) was fantastic,” Connelly said. “Two years ago, we were a 30-win team. Two years later, we are a 46-win team. I thought over the last several weeks of the season (Malone) did a brilliant job kind of using our roster being creative; thinking outside the box. I can’t say enough about how proud I am of him and his staff. Faced with insurmountable odds after a rough start to the road trip…we had every chance to lay down and we did the opposite. So, I think our coaching staff should be lauded for a fantastic job.”

Now, the goal is find a way to get the Nuggets from being a playoffs’ bridesmaid to the bride. Part of that is locking up one big piece of the team’s core – Jokić – to a long-term contract. Connelly said he hopes to get that deal done as soon as possible.

“That’s a huge decision that we’re going to figure out,” Connelly said. “Nikola is going to be here for a very long time. The sooner (we can get it done), the better. He’s a guy that has been tremendous in how quickly he’s developed. And a guy that we love, and he loves Denver. So, the sooner we can get his signature on a long-term contract, the better.”

The other part of getting over the hump and getting the team back into the postseason for the first time since 2013 is continued improvement in areas such as road wins and consistent defense.

“When we (had the press conference) initially to start the season, I thought 46 wins would have us firmly in the playoffs in a pretty good spot,” Connelly said. “Certainly disappointed we didn’t make it. … But as we reflect on the season and all the growth we’ve shown, I’m unbelievably proud of our team.”

Christopher Dempsey: christopher.dempsey@altitude.tv and @chrisadempsey on Twitter

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Tim Connelly, Nuggets President of Basketball Operations, Bullish on Team's Future

Fewer than 24 hours after the last game of the season isn’t usually enough time for the sting of the abrupt ending to fade. And yet, as the Nuggets met the media on Thursday morning for the final time, they talked of both disappointment and hope in the same breath.

“Obviously, didn’t sleep well after that game,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “To be put in that situation, win or go home, was an accomplishment in my eyes. And you come up just short, is frustrating, because you’re a competitor. But what I’ve done since last night and this morning is kind of reflect on the year. As disappointed as we are, as disappointed as our fans are in not making the playoffs, I will not let that define the year.

“For us to go 46-36, we’re one of three teams in the NBA in the last three years that’s improved every season; that, to me is a major accomplishment. When I got here, this team had won 30 games. (Now), we won 46. That is a 16-game improvement. The culture has improved. Our players have improved. We had 14 sellouts this year, compared to three last year. I think basketball became fun and exciting in Denver once again, and I think our fans were a big part of that. I understand the emotion, I understand the frustration. But we all share in that. And all I can tell you is this: We’re heading in the right direction. We’re getting better. We improved in a lot of areas this year.”

None the least of which was in wins at home. The Nuggets had 31 wins at the Pepsi Center, a nine-game improvement over the previous season and the most home victories since they won 38 at home in 2012-13. They were much better in close games – 10-5 in games three points or less, which was one of the five best records, and second-most wins in the NBA in that category this season. They were better in their division, finishing with winning records against Oklahoma City (3-1) and Portland (3-1).

Players like Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Will Barton and Gary Harris all improved their games. The impact of the addition of All-Star forward Paul Millsap was blunted because of a wrist injury that cost the veteran 44 games, but there were flashes of how effective he could be in the Nuggets’ system.

And yet, there was no denying struggles on the road, with their defense and with maintaining focus – no matter the opponent.

“When we go out and play the teams that we need to beat that aren’t near our level, then we’ve got to go out there and blow them out,” guard Jamal Murray said. “Just kind of take it more as a business game, rather than just going out there and thinking we’re going to win.”

Said center Nikola Jokic: “That’s experience. We were not making plays because we were not focused the whole season during every game.”

But all were encouraged by what the future holds.

“Through it all, I’m still optimistic and feel comfortable where we are,” forward Paul Millsap said. “I think through all of the circumstances and situations we’ve been through this year, with injuries and guys in and out of the lineup, I still think it was a successful season. Not too hurt about it. Wish we were still playing, but I’m still happy about our guys and where we are.”

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Nuggets Talk Season of Accomplishments and Unfinished Business

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Nuggets End of Season Exit Interviews

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