Nuggets Owner Backs Jokic’s Candid Championship Assessment
The Denver Nuggets’ season came to a disappointing conclusion after a tough Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite entering the NBA Playoffs as the fourth seed, the team’s journey was far from smooth. Many observers felt the Nuggets failed to meet expectations, and those concerns seemed validated when both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth were dismissed just days before the postseason began.
Support for Jokic’s Honest Evaluation
Some have argued that Oklahoma City’s strong showing against the Minnesota Timberwolves underscores how well Denver performed in their series. However, star player Nikola Jokic and team owner Josh Kroenke agree that key improvements are necessary.
When asked whether the current roster has enough talent to contend for a title, Kroenke echoed Jokic’s blunt assessment.
“As Jok said after the playoffs, the answer is clearly no,” Kroenke stated. “We must seriously evaluate how we can elevate our potential—whether that involves changes within the team or acquiring outside help.”
For the Nuggets to remain competitive in the championship conversation, bolstering their bench will be crucial. Relying on young player Julian Strawther to deliver significant minutes and impact was an unrealistic demand.
Michael Porter Jr. stands out as Denver’s most valuable trade chip, although his recent injury-plagued performance against the Thunder may have diminished his market value.
Even so, he might represent the team’s best opportunity to bring in external talent, especially given the challenges Denver faces in attracting top-tier free agents.
