The Denver Nuggets‘ hopes of repeating their 2023 championship run came to a halt in the Western Conference semifinals, as they were eliminated in seven games by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, franchise cornerstone Nikola Jokic is voicing his concerns.
Following their Game 7 exit, Jokic made it clear that he does not believe the Nuggets, as currently constructed, have what it takes to win another title.
“We didn’t, so obviously we can’t. If we could, we would win it. I don’t believe in those ifs stuff. We had opportunities. We didn’t win it, so I think we can’t,” Jokic said, acknowledging the hard truth with brutal honesty.
Jokic’s comments highlight a growing sentiment within the organization and among fans that Denver’s championship window is still open, but the roster as it stands isn’t enough to capitalize on it.
Denver faces a tough offseason with Jokic’s prime at stake
The loss to the Thunder revealed some of the Nuggets‘ underlying flaws. While Jokic continued to perform at an elite level, winning his third MVP in four seasons, the supporting cast around him struggled with inconsistency and depth.
Jamal Murray had flashes of brilliance, but was plagued by erratic performances throughout the series. Michael Porter Jr., meanwhile, battled injuries again and was never fully able to find rhythm.
Compounding the problem was Denver’s tight rotation, which limited the team’s offensive versatility and left Jokic carrying much of the load in key moments. The team’s lack of bench production was glaring and left little room for error.
The front office is now under pressure to make meaningful changes-ones that go beyond marginal moves. With no draft picks in hand and key role players set to hit free agency, the Nuggets must look toward trades and smart signings to upgrade their roster.
Adding to the uncertainty was the organization’s surprising decision to part ways with head coach Mike Malone just three games before the end of the regular season. The move shocked many around the league and was seen as a bold signal that the franchise is ready to make sweeping changes.
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