Breaking News: Nikola Jokic Emphasizes Denver Nuggets’ Top Offseason Priority Following Playoff Exit..
After being eliminated in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a visibly dejected Nikola Jokic didn’t hold back in identifying what the Denver Nuggets must focus on this offseason: improving their bench depth.
Speaking after the loss, Jokic remarked, “We definitely need more depth. It looks like the teams with deeper benches — like Indiana, OKC, and Minnesota — are the ones winning.” His comments reflect a trend seen throughout the 2024 NBA Playoffs, where teams with strong, versatile rotations outlasted squads relying heavily on star power. Notable names like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and now Jokic have all been eliminated by more well-rounded opponents.
As Denver heads into the offseason, their front office faces the challenge of enhancing the roster’s depth without dismantling its core. However, doing so might require moving a high-salary player to create room for more rotation-ready talent.
Two potential trade candidates are Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, both of whom have been key contributors but could be expendable if Denver chooses to restructure. Trading Jamal Murray would be a more drastic move and one that seems unlikely, as it could fundamentally change the team’s identity.
Ultimately, with Jokic advocating for increased depth, the Nuggets’ offseason decisions will reveal whether the front office aligns with their star’s vision for a deeper, more resilient team in 2025.
