THE DENVER NUGGETS` star player contemplates alone at his locker following a preseason defeat to the Phoenix Suns.
Nikola Jokic`s persistently sore right wrist is iced, hindering his phone use. Having abandoned social media years prior, there are no feeds to browse. Unusually, he isn`t wearing headphones. Minimal sound enters or leaves the NBA`s three-time MVP`s space.
For a decade, Jokic has occupied this same locker, conducting his affairs with minimal fanfare. He embodies the low-maintenance, cornerstone superstar every franchise desires. He avoids cryptic social media posts to pressure management, doesn`t initiate rumor campaigns, or use intermediaries to voice discontent about a supposed lack of winning ambition. He refrains from labeling his teammate, Jamal Murray, a `Black Swan` or `White Swan` for insufficient aggression.
If Jokic harbors opinions on the friction between the Nuggets` management and coaching staff regarding strategies to prolong his peak performance, he keeps them private. `That`s not my concern,` Jokic stated in an extensive ESPN interview. `I just focus on playing basketball and appreciate the annual opportunity.`
Denver is acutely aware of this season`s significance. General Manager Calvin Booth indicated that the team is midway through Jokic`s anticipated ten-year prime. Jokic has consistently performed at an elite level, averaging career highs of 31.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists in 39 minutes across four games.
The Nuggets` ownership historically avoids luxury taxes, and the front office faces constraints due to the NBA`s collective bargaining agreement. The team has lost key contributors from their 2022-23 championship roster, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, and Reggie Jackson. This talent depletion has strained relations between Coach Michael Malone and a front office with limited financial flexibility.
`There was a strong competitive drive, particularly from the players and coaches, and myself included,` Booth explained to ESPN. `Everyone wants to win, especially after a championship victory. This ambition likely sparked the initial tension.`
`What are our objectives? Are we aiming for wins? Are we prioritizing player development?` Booth continued. `Initially, everyone was aligned with the team goals and committed. However, the intense focus on immediate competition may have detracted from this shared commitment.`
Back in the locker room, Jokic remains reserved. His team had just been defeated by the Suns, even without Phoenix`s key players. His coach publicly questioned the team`s fitness post-game, stating he kept starters in late to improve their conditioning.
Concerns about the Nuggets` shooting accuracy, roster depth, and the capacity of younger players to fill the roles of departed championship contributors persist.
`Generally, people always desire more, often overlooking their current assets,` Jokic commented. `I am genuinely grateful for our championship; many exceptional players never achieve one.`
The Nuggets possess the league`s premier player, whose prime, by Booth`s assessment, is past its midpoint.
This raises a pivotal NBA question: How can they best capitalize on the remaining years of Jokic`s prime?
`If we don`t secure another title this year,` forward Michael Porter Jr. told ESPN, `major changes might be necessary.`
BOOTH ACKNOWLEDGES the dilemma of integrating younger players while sustaining championship contention, a common challenge for elite teams.
The Golden State Warriors have navigated a similar phase for five years, balancing the development of lottery picks with maximizing Stephen Curry`s championship window. This dual approach has caused considerable internal and external friction.
`It`s challenging,` Booth noted. `Coaches prioritize winning each game and prefer proven players. Conceptually, integrating youth sounds beneficial, and coaches initially agree. However, the intense competitive environment makes it difficult for Malone at times.`
`There are no villains here,` Booth emphasized. `We performed well in the regular season, gave significant minutes to young players, and largely accomplished our objectives. Our team is well-positioned because of these efforts.`
Following their Game 7 loss to Minnesota in the Western Conference semifinals, relinquishing a 20-point lead, the Nuggets became the fifth consecutive defending champion unable to advance beyond the second playoff round.
By season`s end, Murray was playing `on one leg,` according to a team source. Aaron Gordon had a shoulder injury, and Jokic`s wrist was causing significant pain. Caldwell-Pope also had hamstring issues.
When facing the Timberwolves to close out the series, the Nuggets lacked sufficient reserves. Veterans were exhausted, and younger players, expected to contribute energy, underperformed.
`It boils down to desire and effort,` Gordon stated to ESPN. `Championships are incredibly difficult to win. We must compete fiercely.`
Malone`s skepticism towards younger players was evident in Game 7. Christian Braun received substantial minutes, scoring only 5 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther did not play.
`Rookies typically struggle in their initial NBA seasons,` a rival GM told ESPN. `Positive playoff contributions from rookies are rare until at least their second year, and even then, it`s usually limited to top picks.`
After the 2023-24 season, the Nuggets` front office reaffirmed its commitment to building around the core with drafted young talent. However, they did explore other options.
League sources indicated the Nuggets inquired about Paul George in the offseason, but discussions stalled as Denver refused to include Braun, Watson, or Strawther in any deal. The Clippers weren`t interested in solely taking on future salary, such as Porter`s and Nnaji`s contracts.
Zeke Nnaji, the Nuggets` fifth-highest-paid player, exemplifies the strategic divergence between Booth and Malone`s on-court decisions.
In his rookie season (2020-21), Nnaji shot nearly 41% from three-point range. This improved to over 46% in his second year, prompting Booth to award him a four-year, $32 million extension, anticipating his development into a key reserve behind Jokic.
Post-extension, Nnaji`s minutes per game decreased to a career low, and his three-point percentage plummeted to 26.5%. He played only 14 playoff minutes in 2024. This season, he has appeared in just one of the first four games.
These developmental investments must succeed for the long-term strategy to yield results, but they are difficult to accept when salary cap constraints limit immediate upgrades and a superstar is ready to compete for championships now.
`Winning a championship requires a blend of experience and youthful energy,` Booth commented. `Younger players often provide that energy.`
This synergy depends on the core four players performing at a high level and staying healthy. So far, only Jokic and Gordon have consistently met expectations. Porter`s shooting percentages are down, and his scoring is at a career low as a starter.
Murray`s struggles are even more concerning. The Nuggets have consistently supported him through injuries and inconsistent play. He rewarded their faith during the championship run with his best basketball.
They further demonstrated their confidence by signing him to a max contract extension, despite a disappointing 2024 playoffs and Olympics.
Denver anticipated a motivated Murray entering camp. Instead, sources indicate he continues to struggle with shooting and conditioning, raising concerns within the organization. His early season shooting percentages are below his career averages.
`Their championship hopes hinge on Murray`s performance,` a rival executive told ESPN. `Jokic is the best player, but relying so heavily on him will lead to burnout.`
BOOTH`S OFFICE at Ball Arena is surprisingly sparse for an executive of his recent success. Minimalist furniture and bare walls characterize the space, offering a view of downtown Denver. A single cabinet contains books, memorabilia, and championship champagne, reminders of past triumphs.
The office`s simplicity suggests ongoing ambitions. Booth is central to the Nuggets` future plans; contract extension discussions have been ongoing for months, with a resolution expected.
Booth made his mark during the 2022-23 championship season by integrating eight new players into a roster that had previously underperformed in the playoffs, except for a conference finals appearance in the bubble in 2020. These additions, though not stars, were crucial to the championship.
Booth, a former role player, understood how veterans like Brown, Green, and Caldwell-Pope would complement the core of Jokic, Porter, Murray, and Gordon.
Jokic had already earned two MVP awards for his individual brilliance and ability to carry the team during Murray`s injury absence. It was time to surround him with more talent and the right supporting cast. `It`s pressure,` Booth admitted. `But it`s healthy pressure. Problem-solving is an enjoyable aspect of this job.`
A book in Booth`s office, `Barking Up the Wrong Tree,` hints at his approach to roster construction around Jokic within the new CBA`s financial constraints. It advocates a data-driven, unconventional approach to success.
Booth adopted this philosophy when succeeding Tim Connelly in 2022. He compiled a detailed report on past champions, analyzing trends in team composition.
This approach informed the decisions in the past two offseasons: letting key role players depart in free agency to prioritize retaining the core four and promoting younger, cost-controlled players like Braun, Watson, and Strawther.
`The rationale behind Christian and Peyton`s development,` Booth explained, `is their potential to match up against players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics.`
He believes these young players can contribute to the Nuggets` future championships.
`The notion that championship teams don`t utilize young players is inaccurate,` Booth stated. `Tony Parker played significant minutes as a rookie in the playoffs. The following year, the Spurs won a championship with Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Speedy Claxton playing key roles. Similarly, the 2009-10 Lakers featured young players like Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum.`
Braun, while not a major factor in 2023, scored 15 points in a Finals game against Miami. The Nuggets, with an average age of nearly 28, were the second-youngest NBA champions since 2000.
The third-youngest? The 2014-15 Warriors, the start of a dynasty.
MALONE OPERATES with a different mindset. He is intensely competitive, even over minor details. He ranks high in wins among current coaches and is the fourth-longest-tenured coach in the league, part of a group with 12 combined championships.
Malone, Booth, and owner Josh Kroenke presented a united front in a May press conference to dispel rumors of internal conflict.
However, Malone`s focus is winning, and he openly addresses team weaknesses.
After a preseason loss to Phoenix, Malone criticized his team`s conditioning and the league`s perceived aversion to preseason conditioning. Following another preseason loss, he questioned the team`s motivation to avenge the previous season`s playoff loss.
After poor shooting performances to begin the regular season, Malone mentioned Caldwell-Pope`s absence in a postgame conference.
`Shooting was a preseason concern,` Malone stated. `Losing a 40% three-point shooter like KCP is significant. Christian Braun is valuable, but he is not KCP. We must recognize and appreciate Braun for who he is.`
Sources indicate the Nuggets had an opportunity to acquire assets for Caldwell-Pope through a sign-and-trade with Dallas, potentially involving Tim Hardaway Jr. or Josh Green. Denver declined, believing Braun could fill the void.
Dallas then pursued Klay Thompson. Caldwell-Pope signed with Orlando as the Nuggets prioritized extensions for Murray and Gordon.
Malone`s public comments about lost talent have exacerbated existing tensions. The Nuggets` inconsistent start, ranking mid-to-lower tier in key metrics, further fuels concerns.
JOKIC`S PERSPECTIVE is paramount, and Booth actively seeks it.
`He has earned the right to be consulted,` Booth stated. `There`s a balance; we avoid burdening him with personnel decisions, but we value his input, especially on players he`s familiar with.`
Booth cited Jokic`s support for signing Russell Westbrook. `He admires Westbrook`s passion,` Booth noted.
However, Jokic avoids broader strategic discussions, such as roster construction under the CBA or prioritizing young players over veterans.
`I`m focused on playing basketball,` he stated. `Contracts and CBA complexities are not my area.`
He does have strong opinions on younger players` responsibilities.
`They need to demand more from themselves,` Jokic stated. `They must strive to be their best.`
These words are open to interpretation.
Braun seems to understand Jokic`s message: `He cares more than anyone. He works harder, trains harder. He wants to win intensely.`
In essence, Jokic leads by example. Others must follow. Some perceive Jokic`s demeanor as suggesting basketball is just a job, that he`d rather be in Serbia with his horses, disconnected from the NBA.
Braun disagrees: `He checks in, engages in conversations, jokes around. He`s not detached. He works tirelessly and returns in excellent shape annually.`
It`s a quiet effort to stay connected—with the franchise and the young players he needs.
`I dislike excessive time off,` Jokic admitted. `I become too relaxed.`
He took minimal time off after the Olympics.
For any other superstar, this abbreviated rest would prompt questions about avenging the playoff loss.
`It`s easy to judge after the fact,` Jokic stated. `They won. We had chances but didn`t capitalize.
`I don`t focus on other teams. I was raised to be gracious in victory and defeat. It`s ingrained in me.`
Despite Jokic`s claims of not analyzing the broader NBA landscape, he understands his team and his desire for Denver`s success remains unwavering.
Whether the franchise has positioned him for further championships remains uncertain.