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Jokic, who has finished in the top two of MVP voting for six consecutive seasons, has endured a sluggish start to the campaign. Through seven games, the Serbian star is shooting 50.4% from the field and a career-low 21.9% from beyond the arc. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 26.1 is his lowest since his rookie year, and his scoring average of 23.4 points per game marks his lowest output since the 2019-20 season. While a 32-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist performance against the Toronto Raptors offered a glimpse of his peak form, the consistency that defined Denver’s recent championship era has been noticeably absent.
A Roster Built for Perfection
The structural issues within the Denver organization have become increasingly apparent as Jokic’s efficiency fluctuates. The current roster was constructed with the assumption that Jokic would continue to carry the load, but the supporting cast has struggled to provide adequate relief. Key contributors, including Aaron Gordon, who is still finding his rhythm following injury, and a new-look bench unit featuring 37-year-old DeMar DeRozan, have failed to provide the necessary depth. Consequently, the Nuggets rank 28th in bench scoring and 23rd in net rating.
Nuggets coach
Financial Constraints and Long-Term Outlook
Beyond the immediate on-court struggles, the Nuggets face a challenging financial landscape. With significant long-term contracts committed to
As the front office looks toward a potential contract extension for Jokic next summer, the organization must weigh the risks of committing to a massive deal against the reality of a roster that lacks the depth to contend without an MVP-level performance from its leader. For now, the Nuggets remain a team in transition, waiting to see if their franchise cornerstone can recapture the form that made them perennial title contenders, or if the current struggles signal a more permanent shift in the team's competitive trajectory.