Nikola Jokic has never had an All-Star caliber teammate during his career, highlighting a critical need for the Nuggets to rectify this situation.
In Game 7, the moment Jokic exited the court, the Thunder seized the opportunity, even going on a 13-0 scoring run during his brief two-minute break.
This issue extended beyond the playoffs; it was apparent throughout the entire season.
Despite the Nuggets’ considerable financial investment in their current roster, it’s clear that this setup is inadequate for competing against the top teams in the West, as demonstrated by their 50-32 record in 2024-25.
Yahoo Sports’ Morten Stig Jensen advocates strongly for Jokic to receive the support he merits.
“It’s time for Nikola Jokic to have an All-Star running mate, which he’s never had before, and the team is painfully aware of it,” Jensen remarked.
“With significant salaries still impacting the books for Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., navigating this situation could be complex unless one of them is dealt.”
While encountering difficulties with the luxury tax, NBA teams frequently devise solutions. For example, this season saw the Lakers add Luka Doncic, while the Warriors brought in Jimmy Butler. It’s certainly feasible.
He went on to detail the Nuggets’ needs, recognizing the intricacies involved.
“The goal remains straightforward: to snag another championship and not waste the prime years of one of the greatest players to ever grace the court. However, the route to achieving that isn’t simple, and the Nuggets’ limited attractive assets complicate roster alterations. Nonetheless, this objective is a pressing matter, underscoring the urgent need for a strategic approach, which cannot be formulated until someone takes command of basketball operations. The clock is ticking for the Nuggets.”
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