The Denver Nuggets are at a critical juncture in their franchise history. They are blessed with arguably the best player in the NBA, Nikola Jokic. He has a unique combination of versatility, skill, and sheer basketball intelligence. Jokic has single-handedly carried the Nuggets to heights many thought improbable. It has been particularly impressive given the relatively modest supporting cast around him. Yet, despite their recent success, including a 2023 NBA championship, the Nuggets must urgently recognize that time is not on their side. The franchise has only a limited window to maximize the generational talent they possess in Jokic.
NBA Business: Nikola Jokic’s “Timeline” Emphasizes Clock’s Ticking For Nuggets
Jokic’s Unmatched Leadership and Capabilities
Nikola Jokic’s ability to lead the Nuggets has been evident since he took on the role of the team’s cornerstone player. Even without consistent All-NBA or All-Star help, Jokic has elevated his team to playoff contention year after year. During the 2021-22 season, for example, he led a Denver squad missing key players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to 48 regular-season wins and a 6th seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. Despite being short-handed, Jokic’s team made it to the playoffs, only to lose in the first round to the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors. That season, if anything, underscored Jokic’s incredible ability to carry a team that was barely scraping by in terms of talent.
However, this success wasn’t enough. The lesson for the Nuggets should be clear: even a player as extraordinary as Jokic cannot win championships on his own. The need for additional talent to complement his efforts is crucial. Denver cannot expect Jokic to carry that burden year after year without significant reinforcements, which leads to the question: are they doing enough to ensure Jokic’s prime years are spent winning?
The Nuggets’ Offseason Approach: Are They Doing Enough?
The 2023 and 2024 offseasons have raised concerns about the Nuggets’ approach to building a championship-caliber roster around Jokic. While they retained core players like Murray and Porter, they allowed key role players to walk, leaving gaps in the team that need to be filled. In today’s NBA, depth and versatility are essential for sustained success, especially when a team is chasing multiple championships. The Nuggets’ front office has faced criticism for not aggressively seeking out complementary players who can bolster Jokic’s efforts.
While the Nuggets won their first championship in 2023, it is not enough to simply bask in that success. The league moves fast, and the margin between contenders and pretenders can be razor-thin. Jokic’s contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season with a player option in 2028-29, gives the Nuggets a finite window to compete for championships while he is still in his prime.
An Eight-Year Window to Dominate?
Jokic, at 29 years old, remains committed to the Denver Nuggets and the Serbian national team. However, he has hinted that his career may not extend into his late 30s, dismissing any comparison to fellow Serbian athlete Novak Djokovic, who continues to dominate tennis at 37. With Jokic likely to retire before 37, the Nuggets have approximately eight more years to make the most of his talents. Realistically, Denver has a chance to compete for at least one more championship in that span if they surround Jokic with the right players.
His current five-year, $276 million contract ensures he will be with the team through his early 30s, but the Nuggets cannot afford to squander these years. His player option at age 32 could also be a turning point, as Jokic might choose to test free agency and sign his final NBA contract. This only heightens the urgency for the Nuggets to act swiftly in building a lasting legacy around their superstar.
The Risks of Wasting Jokic’s Prime
The reality is that championship windows in the NBA are fleeting. For the Denver Nuggets, their future beyond Jokic’s career is uncertain. While they may eventually rebuild, there is no guarantee that the next era of Nuggets basketball will reach the same heights. After all, it took the franchise 56 years to secure their first NBA title. Waiting another half-century for a second championship is a daunting prospect that the organization cannot afford to entertain.
The Nuggets’ front office must recognize that they are in a unique position. They have a player capable of leading them to multiple championships, but only if they provide the right supporting cast. It is not enough to rely solely on Jokic’s brilliance. Every season that passes without significant roster improvements is a wasted opportunity.
The Nuggets Need to Maximize Nikola Jokic’s ‘Short’ Time Left
Jokic has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history. His loyalty to the Denver Nuggets and his dedication to both his team and country are unmatched. However, the Nuggets must act now to ensure that his prime years are spent in pursuit of more championships. The clock is ticking, and the organization cannot afford to wait. With an eight-year window before Jokic considers retirement, the time to build a dynasty is now.
