NBA: Playoffs-Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves
Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) seats on the bench before the second half begins against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Nikola Jokic has done so much for the Denver Nuggets after leading them to remarkable glory in the 2020s. However, the team hasn’t been able to consistently surround him with strong supporting casts, drawing criticism from a former head coach.
Jokic has been playing in the NBA since 2015 as the Nuggets’ second-round selection in the 2014 draft. He rose up the ranks to be one of the top superstars in the NBA, building an incredible resume as one of the greatest players in league history.
Jokic led the Nuggets to championship glory in 2023, their first NBA title in franchise history. Not only that, but he also earned three MVP awards that cement his elite status in present day.
George Karl, who coached Denver for nine seasons from 2005 to 2013, had thoughts on Denver’s past seasons following the title win in 2023. He wrote on social media about the franchise’s team building, believing that Jokic’s all-time path has a limit due to recent playoff exits.
“Some franchises aren’t capable of supporting their legends the right way. Jokic was on a path to becoming one of the Top 10 players to ever play basketball. That wasn’t realistic in Denver,” Karl wrote.
What Lies Ahead for Nikola Jokic and Nuggets
NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
Apr 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Nikola Jokic’s individual success will earn him a place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. His team success with the Nuggets will have a limit if the franchise doesn’t figure out its supporting cast issue for their franchise player.
Jokic remains dominant as a superstar following his 11th season. He averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game throughout 65 appearances. In the playoffs, he produced 25.8 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.5 assists per contest.
Denver finished last season with a 54-28 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference standings. However, they suffered a stunning first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games.
The Nuggets have seen the roster change this offseason. They lost Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Peyton Watson, and Jonas Valanciunas via free agency and trades. They have since signed the likes of Marvin Bagley, Lonnie Walker IV and Trevon Brazile, hoping to help Denver maintain its status as playoff contenders.