For the Denver Nuggets, the clock is ticking. And for them, they have to make the most of possibly the prime years of their superstar Nikola Jokic, who many believe is the best player on the planet. With the Nuggets just 11 games from their season being over, the sense of urgency is understandable and palpable. They are determined to get the very best out of Jokic and his unique talents while confronting the difficulties wrought by internal discord.
Jokic, a three-time MVP, is enjoying what most people agree is the best season of his professional career. His unselfishness and preference to be out of the spotlight further contributes to making him a special kind of leader in this tight-knit group. His impact goes well beyond professional awards. As the best player for the Nuggets, Jokic embodies the team’s potential for success and serves as a linchpin in their pursuit of a championship.
With questions about perceived rifts in the Nuggets locker room swirling, the team has made bold moves to remake their roster in Jokic’s image. The front office is keenly aware that maximizing what remains of his prime is crucial if they hope to contend for a title. Reports indicate that there is a profound urgency within the organization to ensure that Jokic has the support necessary to elevate the team’s performance.
One of my favorite things about Jokic is his effort on a night-to-night basis. Yet he remains mum on the more chronic, internal problems bedeviling the team. Although he hasn’t made a peep in public, his work shows just how dedicated he is to the Nuggets. Even so, team insiders say that Jokic would likely internalize his frustrations rather than lash out. Despite those past challenges, his desire to lead by example is clear.
Head coach of the Nuggets, Michael Malone, has been a loud proclaimer of how complacent this team has gotten. His latest remarks illustrated an increasing worry about the team’s mentality and lack of performance.
“Eleven games to go, and that’s the effort we put forth?” – Michael Malone
Malone made it clear that transparency is key in fixing what’s ailing this team. In addition, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection for each player, challenging them to forcefully address their own complicity.
“Do you have the balls, do you have the courage to go home and look in the mirror and say, ‘What can I be doing better to help this team?’” – Michael Malone
His comments represent a much deeper and darker sentiment among the execs at US Soccer when it comes to accountability. According to one team source, there was a palpable “bad vibe” that was detrimental to on-court performance. This ultimately forced management to start kicking certain people out of the organization to get reinstated mission clarity.
“That’s what Josh felt. It’s a bad vibe. You can’t operate like that. He felt that if he removed those two people, everybody could just focus on doing their job. Change needed to happen.” – Team source
As bigger changes take place around the franchise as a whole, Jokic’s reaction to these changes will be incredibly crucial. To his credit, he admitted that there are forces at work after personnel moves, possibly suggesting that locker room energy used to be different, as many have argued.
“Josh got the response that he wanted,” – Nikola Jokic
It’s why the Nuggets are doing all they can to continue building a contending roster around Jokic while the years where he’s in his prime last. To increase their odds of hitting it big, they are shoring up their talent pipeline. Through encouraging communication between players, Coach Schneider has led the team to make the playoffs with new-found vigor.
Teammate Christian Braun sounded hopeful when discussing the last few games, pointing to a developing chemistry on the floor that speaks to communication and growth.
“I think as far as communication goes, it was probably our best game of the year,” – Christian Braun
Even bigger than the Jokic’s prime years is the urgency that hangs over all of Denver’s hopes and dreams. Even though he might not care to be a star, for just about any observer, there is no understating the emerging story of the Nuggets’ runaway success. Fortunately for Denver, the organization has accepted this reality and done a laudable job of preparing Jokic to succeed even when faced with adversity.
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