Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through BetMGM. 21+ only. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
For the last several years, Denver Nuggets fans have been demanding that the front office put effort into building a better, deeper, more reliable roster. They finally listened and got to work over the summer, and their changes seem to be working.
The Nuggets are currently the second-best team in the Western Conference. Following their win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, Nikola Jokic talked about what makes his squad different this year.
“The bench unit. It’s a lot of veterans. A lot of guys who care, who know how to play, know what their role is. And we have advantages in multiple positions. Bruce and Jonas were the most impactful in the second unit. They give us calmness,” Jokic said.
Asked Nikola Jokic about the biggest difference for his team this year through 11 games
Jokic: "The bench unit. It's a lot of veterans. A lot of guys who care, who know how to play… know what their role is. And we have advantages in multiple positions." pic.twitter.com/QqQEIqH4gP
— Law Murray ⛲️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) November 13, 2025
Jokic is referencing Bruce Brown and Jonas Valančiūnas. During Wednesday’s game, Brown chipped in two points and four rebounds, while Valančiūnas delivered eight points, three rebounds, and a block.
Those two were big acquisitions during the summer and proof that the Nuggets were attempting to improve the roster built around Jokic. For many years, Denver has thrived or struggled based solely on Jokic, and it has clearly and understandably been his team alone.
But most people agree that the Nuggets will only return to the NBA Finals if the lineup around Jokic is better, especially in the frontcourt. Valančiūnas is a proven big man, and Brown already had a deep chemistry with Denver because he previously played with them.
The Nuggets are functioning better than they have in years. Jokic has taken notice, but he’s not the only one.
NEXT: J.K. Dobbins Made Franchise History With Explosive Start