Nuggets Support for Nikola Jokic
In Denver, the Nuggets have made significant strides to support their star player, Nikola Jokic, as they head into a new season. Last summer, they focused on reinforcing their roster’s depth, drawing inspiration from the successful Thunder team that once eliminated them in a hard-fought seven-game series while en route to securing the NBA championship. The strategic additions not only promise to enhance player stamina and rotation flexibility in the postseason but also pave the way for Jokic to potentially ink a staggering $293 million contract extension next summer.
Contract Decisions and Future Plans
Though Jokic had the chance to sign a four-year offer worth $212 million this offseason, he decided to hold off, affirming,
“I mean, I don’t think about it. I think those contract extensions come as a reward, as something that is natural to the sport. Especially in today’s NBA with the rising salary cap.”
While he didn’t specify his intentions for the contract extension in 2026, he expressed a strong desire to remain with the Nuggets long-term, stating,
“My plan is to be a Nugget forever.”
Offseason Changes and Roster Enhancements
This offseason brought notable changes to the Nuggets, including the removal of the interim label from head coach David Adelman and a new leadership team with general managers Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace. These shifts followed the trade of Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets, which allowed the franchise to free up salary cap room for essential roster upgrades.
One key acquisition was sharpshooter Cam Johnson, who joined the team in the Porter deal, bolstering their perimeter shooting capabilities. The Nuggets also welcomed back Bruce Brown, pivotal in their championship run, and added veteran players like guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and center Jonas Valanciunas, giving Jokic a strong support system on the court. Valanciunas is expected to serve as both a reliable backup and a potential partner for Jokic in different lineup combinations. Additionally, the Nuggets hope to see 2024 first-round draft pick DaRon Holmes return healthy after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him during his rookie season.
Jokic’s Enthusiasm for the New Roster
Jokic, often referred to as “the Joker,” articulated his enthusiasm about the revamped roster:
“Bruce is back. We won with him. Need to save his career again. We have Cam and Jonas — we have a bunch of new guys. We have Holmes healthy. It’s a new energy, new beginning for us. Hopefully, we can do something.”
Brown, who had a brief stint with the Indiana Pacers before his trade to Toronto, reflected on his desire to come back to Denver, noting,
“Indy was great for me when I was there but it was only three months… I think right away, as soon as I got there, I wanted to come back.”
