The Denver Nuggets have found themselves packing their bags once again after another disappointing Game 7 loss in the conference semifinals. It’s a familiar heartbreak for Nuggets fans, but as the team heads into the offseason, the reality of their situation becomes more pronounced—they’re facing some tough decisions that could shape their future for years to come.
At the center of it all is Nikola Jokić, one of the most dominant players in the league. The Nuggets’ success starts and ends with him, but it’s becoming clear that the supporting cast needs a significant overhaul. While Jokić has been stellar alongside Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun, the depth of the roster leaves much to be desired. The postseason exposed weaknesses that can’t simply be overlooked.
Take Michael Porter Jr., for instance. He entered the playoffs with a shoulder injury that hindered his performance, but questions linger about his fit with the team considering his hefty contract. His postseason seems to have been a mixed bag—while his contributions were valuable against the Clippers, he struggled against the Thunder, where we saw more moments of frustration than flashes of brilliance.
On the bench, the inconsistencies of players like Russell Westbrook, who provided sparks at times but also saw his share of rough stretches, raise eyebrows. Then there’s Peyton Watson, who has shown potential but isn’t yet a reliable rotation player. Even though Julian Strawther had a game-winning moment in Game 6, he couldn’t find that rhythm again in the crucial Game 7.
It’s imperative for the Nuggets to maximize Jokić’s prime while they can, and even he acknowledges the obvious need for depth. His comments following the season illuminated the shifting paradigm in the NBA—teams with deeper rosters seem to have the upper hand in playoff success. The Nuggets previously built a formidable eight-man rotation that propelled them to a championship, but that depth has since eroded, and it’s become a glaring need for the franchise.
Following their championship run, the Nuggets faced the tough reality of building a roster on a budget. They lost valuable contributors like Bruce Brown and Jeff Green to free agency, and despite hopes that younger players could step up, the results have been mixed. There’s been growth from Braun, who is developing into a reliable starter, but both Peyton Watson and Zeke Nnaji haven’t taken the expected leaps forward.
The challenge for Denver is compounded by the uncertain landscape of the trade market. Nikola Jokić is as close to untouchable as they come, while players like Murray, Gordon, and Braun are inching toward that distinction. However, that still leaves questions about how to retool the roster effectively, especially with the lingering uncertainty surrounding Porter Jr.’s value and how his contract might affect potential trades.
To make matters more intriguing, the Nuggets are set for an offseason shakeup in the front office, with Calvin Booth stepping down as general manager. Bringing in a fresh perspective could lead to decisive changes in the roster composition—without the emotional ties that come with championship glory, a new GM might not hesitate to consider trades that could reshape the team in significant ways.
In the fast-paced landscape of the NBA, title windows can open and close in the blink of an eye. For the Nuggets, harnessing the talent of Jokić offers a pathway to re-opening their window quickly, but it’s going to require some bold moves and possibly difficult conversations. The offseason ahead promises to be pivotal for a franchise trying to balance its immediate aspirations with long-term success.
