👋 Good Morning!

Last night the DNVR Nuggets crew dove into the top 10 biggest “what ifs” in franchise history to kick off our 2025 version of rank week. They touched on everything from the possibility of ‘Melo’ never leaving Denver to Jokić playing professionally in Spain.

Tonight the Broncos crew will dive into their list and explore topics like what if John Elway came back for one more season. Would the Broncos have been the first team in NFL history to “three-peat”?

I often think about the 2005 team and blowing the AFC Title Game after getting through the Patriots and getting the ultimate gift of the Colts being upset the week before. I can’t wait to see what the guys have to say about it all.

WATCH: Top 10 biggest “what ifs” in Denver Nuggets history

— Justin Michael

My friend and colleague Christian Saez explored a great “what if” in Denver sports history and took a deep dive into one of the more controversial plays in MLB history. What if Matt Holliday was called out at home plate?

I’ve been to AFC Championships, I’ve covered the NHL Playoffs, I was incredibly fortunate to be in the building when the Nuggets won the NBA Championship in 2023, but I’m still not sure I’ve ever felt anything quite like the atmosphere in Coors Field when Holliday slid head first into home and sent the Rockies to the playoffs in 2007.

The stadium shook as Denver erupted into a celebration. My grandfather literally lept with joy. It was one of the coolest things I’ve experienced as a sports fan.

What makes Christian’s article interesting, though, is he explores the concept of the Rocktober run potentially doing more damage than good in the long run. Did a flukey stretch result in the Rockies continuing what’s proven to be a bad process? Was one crazy experience worth the results we’ve experienced since?

READ: What if Matt Holliday was called out at home?

Our friend Mike Olson often eloquently writes about Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets. He recently wrote a touching tribute for his old dog Owen. It made me cry this morning, so maybe grab some tissues first.

READ: The joy of watching sports with a buddy | by Mike Olson

The Avalanche now have defenseman Josh Manson locked up for the foreseeable future after signing him to a two-year contract extension. AJ Haefele explored the pros and cons of the deal. Check it out here.