The Denver Nuggets have struggled to match their 2023 Championship level this season. They started strong but could not maintain consistency. Even with Nikola Jokic playing at an MVP level, the team failed to dominate the Western Conference. Considering the latter, Michael Porter Jr. shared his thoughts on the Nuggets’ underperformance.

“I just think that the league has spread out so evenly. There are so many good teams across the league. That playoffs that we won that championship, there wasn’t that much of a struggle throughout the playoffs…Since that championship year, many teams have constructed their teams to compete with us. You know, the Timberwolves did a great job against us. But you’ve got so many good teams that we haven’t gotten a chance to get used to,” stated Michael Porter Jr.

Additionally, Michael points out that the Nuggets have not faced teams with major reinforcements, like the Lakers or the Clippers. Even, Denver let key players go. Instead of signing big names, they brought in veterans. Because of that, the roster looks clearly weaker now. Their depth dropped, and the impact is showing. Without Nikola Jokic, the team would not even be in the playoff picture. Their dependence on him is total, and that is a serious concern.

Nevertheless, this will change next NBA season. The Nuggets fired Michael Malone and Calvin Booth to begin a new basketball project. As a result, fans can expect a mix of promising young talent and championship-level players to support Jokic. At the same time, Denver must choose a head coach and GM with real NBA relevant experience to lead this new era.

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 23, 2024.

Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman addresses concern surrounding Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets rely heavily on Nikola Jokic. For many, that is both their greatest strength and their biggest weakness. Jokic leads the team in scoring, playmaking, and rebounding. Because of that, his absence leaves the Nuggets without direction or identity. He takes on most of the creative and offensive duties. That responsibility weighs heavily on him and often limits his ability to impact the game in other ways.

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Before facing the Clippers, interim head coach David Adelman addressed the issue. He explained that the team is actively working on easing Jokic’s load. “There are moments where we want to give him a break from orchestrating every possession…It’s not about taking the ball out of his hands, it’s about giving him different kinds of touches and letting others carry the creation load.”

At this stage of the season, veterans like Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray need to raise their level. They must lead the team with confidence. Moreover, taking the creative load off Nikola Jokic could unlock his scoring potential. That would allow him to dominate more clearly and consistently.

While the game against Clippers is far from easy, their individual talent makes a difference. Combined with their experience, it could carry the team all the way to the Championship.

SurveyWho do you believe will play the biggest role in unlocking Nikola Jokic’s most dominant scoring form?

Who do you believe will play the biggest role in unlocking Nikola Jokic’s most dominant scoring form?