The offseason ends this week.

Nuggets media day is Thursday and a brief training camp starts Friday before the team heads to Abu Dhabi for its first two preseason games Oct. 4 and 6. Then, it’s back to the states for three preseason games Oct. 13, 15 and 18.

The regular season starts against Oklahoma City on Oct. 24 in Denver.

Here are the three biggest storylines to monitor over the next month:

1. Jamal Murray

Denver’s front office demonstrated its faith in the 27-year-old via a max contract extension a couple of weeks ago. That came a little more than a month after Murray’s subpar showing in the Olympics generated concern locally and nationally. Murray’s health is going to be talked about a lot this week. Expect Murray and the Nuggets to downplay any concerns. The point guard had been back in Denver for summer workouts prior to signing the extension, but if there’s any sign he’s not 100% throughout preseason, it’s only going to become an even bigger storyline. A strong showing in preseason would change the narrative heading into the season opener.

2. Starting shooting guard

The Nuggets can go a couple of different ways when it comes to replacing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Moving Christian Braun into the starting lineup would allow the starting five to operate largely the same way as last season. Starting any of the other potential options — Peyton Watson, Russell Westbrook or Julian Strawther — would require a significant change. Braun can handle the same defensive assignments assumed by Caldwell-Pope the last couple of years and showed growth as a 3-point shooter in his second NBA season. Watson, the most likely option if it’s not Braun, would give the starting unit more size and defensive versatility. Westbrook would give the group another ball handler, while Strawther could end up being the best shooter of the bunch. Braun’s the heavy favorite to be the fifth starter, but the role won’t be handed to him. Seeing how the rotations shake out will be among the most interesting aspects of Denver’s preseason.

3. Julian Strawther leap

The hope is what happened in Vegas makes its to Denver. The second-year wing relocated his shooting stroke at Summer League after finishing a start-and-stop rookie campaign as a sub-30% 3-point shooter. There were a couple of efficient, 20-point performances that highlighted his rookie season, but he’s going to have an opportunity to be an every-night player in year two. Strawther’s shooting ability is going to be crucial to a second unit in the likely scenario Westbrook at Watson are also part of Denver’s bench. With Westbrook running point, Strawther is going to have to figure out how to maximize his effectiveness while have the ball in his hand less than he did during his impressive showing at Summer League if he wants to take a leap this season. While preseason won’t feature the same intensity as the regular season, it’s certainly a step up from Summer League.