The Denver Nuggets have struggled for years to maintain performance when Nikola Jokić is off the court. While they’ve managed to win many games and even a championship, the issue persists. Over the last five regular seasons, Denver’s net rating was +10.8 with Jokić playing, but dropped to -7.5 without him, according to Databallr. Even with Jamal Murray on the floor without Jokić, the rating was still negative at -5.8.
To address this, the Nuggets have signed various players like DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan, and Jonas Valančiūnas. This season, their backup big men include Marvin Bagley, DaRon Holmes, Zeke Nnaji, and Trevon Brazile. As Jokić enters his 30s, it would be ideal for him to rest without the team’s lead faltering. However, given Denver’s current options behind him, fans might understandably feel uneasy.
Interestingly, DeMar DeRozan’s addition could offer some help. At 37, DeRozan remains one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers in isolation, post-up, and pick-and-roll situations. He’s also a skilled passer with a low turnover rate. Denver’s backup big men all have some 3-point shooting ability, with Bagley being a strong athlete and rookie Brazile showing exceptional athleticism. With DeRozan orchestrating the offense, the Nuggets could simplify the role for their reserve bigs to screening, rolling, rebounding, and occasional 3-point attempts. Coach David Adelman has several lineup options to experiment with and find the best fit.
The bigger concern lies on defense. None of the four backup big men has proven to be a dominant inside defender. Brazile has the explosive potential for highlight-worthy blocks but lacks the size to battle NBA bigs effectively. Holmes, after recovering from an Achilles injury, has yet to regain his previous form. Nnaji has been underwhelming over the years, and after moving through six teams in nine seasons, hoping Bagley converts his athleticism into reliable defense feels optimistic at best.
This uncertainty extends beyond just the big men. DeRozan is a strong scorer but rarely shoots 3-pointers, which could allow defenses to crowd his drives when paired with big men who struggle to shoot threes consistently. Although Jokić managed some success playing alongside Russell Westbrook, the duo faltered in the playoffs. DeRozan’s reluctance to shoot from deep and defensive limitations raise similar concerns come postseason time.
The Nuggets also added point guard Tyus Jones, who had a disappointing recent season and was traded twice. If Jones can return to the steady playmaking and roughly 40% 3-point shooting he showed previously, he could stabilize the second unit. However, sustaining success into his 30s is uncertain, and a backcourt with Jones and DeRozan may struggle defensively.
Injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have impacted the team’s depth, while losses of players like Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. have thinned the roster. Although Denver retained role players Spencer Jones and Julian Strawther, the team remains fragile, especially if starters miss significant time as they did last season, making projections difficult.
Jokić alone solves many problems, and hopefully Gordon stays healthy, Braun regains form, DeRozan provides energy off the bench, and one backup big becomes reliable. Still, the number of factors that need to align makes the path forward more challenging than for Western Conference rivals.
Denver fans also have to consider Jokić’s future. The star center expressed his desire to remain in Denver and is expected to sign a huge contract next year, potentially a five-year deal worth $360 million—an NBA record. Financially, it makes sense to stay, but the Nuggets can’t afford to waste another year of his prime without building a strong supporting cast to chase more championships.
That said, nothing is certain. Jokić could sign elsewhere for a slightly smaller contract but possibly more favorable tax situations, which might be tempting if Denver’s championship chances diminish. His loyalty is clear, but the team must prove they’re ready to maximize the time he gives them in Denver.
Fan Take: This situation highlights just how crucial it is for teams to build a supporting cast around their stars, especially in today’s NBA where one player rarely carries a team all the way. Basketball fans should watch closely to see if the Nuggets can strike the right balance, as it could set a precedent for managing star players’ workloads without sacrificing competitiveness.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
