Nuggets’ Dependence on Nikola Jokic Exposed as Team Struggles Without MVP Star
The Denver Nuggets’ reliance on Nikola Jokic has become increasingly evident as the team falters without its three-time MVP center. Despite his incredible performances to start the 2024-25 season, recent games without Jokic reveal the team’s vulnerabilities and a glaring need for others to step up.
Jokic’s Undeniable Impact
Jokic’s early-season numbers are nothing short of remarkable. In ten games, he’s averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and an astonishing 11.7 assists per game—stat lines that are unprecedented for a center in NBA history. He also leads the league with 115.8 touches per game, a testament to his central role in the Nuggets’ offensive scheme.
With Jokic on the floor, the Nuggets boast an impressive offensive rating of 118.5 and an effective field goal percentage of 54.7%. However, in the three games he has missed due to personal reasons, those numbers have plummeted to 100.9 and 50.2%, respectively. The stark contrast underscores just how pivotal Jokic is to Denver’s success.
Nuggets’ Struggles Without Jokic
Without Jokic, the Nuggets look disjointed and far from the championship-caliber team that took home the NBA title in 2023. The team managed only a 1-2 record in his absence, with their sole win coming against a depleted Memphis Grizzlies squad.
Rebounding has been a particular area of concern. In Jokic’s absence, the Nuggets have averaged just 43.3 rebounds per game while allowing opponents to dominate the boards with 52.0 rebounds per game. Comparatively, when Jokic plays, Denver averages 47.0 rebounds and limits opponents to 42.8.
This deficiency is compounded by the loss of Aaron Gordon, who is sidelined with a calf injury. Gordon, often considered the team’s second-best rebounder, has left the Nuggets even more vulnerable in the paint.
The Need for Consistency from Role Players
While Jokic has been the lifeblood of the Nuggets’ success, championship aspirations demand reliable contributions from the supporting cast. Players like Christian Braun and Michael Porter Jr. have shown flashes of consistency this season. Porter, in particular, has elevated his game, scoring 15 or more points in 76.9% of games so far compared to just 56.8% last season.
However, the Nuggets need more from Jamal Murray, who signed a lucrative max contract extension this offseason. Despite his playoff heroics in 2020 and 2023, Murray has struggled to find rhythm during the regular season. His inconsistent play has left a void when Jokic is unavailable, a situation Denver cannot afford if they hope to remain competitive in the stacked Western Conference.
The Bigger Picture
Denver’s dependence on Jokic is both a blessing and a curse. His generational talent has elevated the franchise to new heights, including their first NBA championship. Yet, it’s clear that without him, the Nuggets struggle to maintain the same level of competitiveness.
If the Nuggets are to sustain success, they must address their over-reliance on Jokic by fostering more consistency from key players and improving their depth. With Jokic likely to contend for a fourth MVP this season, the team cannot afford to squander his brilliance by failing to build a more balanced roster.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the supporting cast to see if they can rise to the occasion—or if the Nuggets’ dependence on Jokic will ultimately be their Achilles’ heel.
