The Denver Nuggets have everything they need to compete for a title this season. They have an experienced coach, an MVP, an All-Star sidekick, and plenty of capable role players.
On paper, the Nuggets have a whole lot to be excited about.
Surprisingly, the reigning NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic, doesn’t agree — at least, not now. According to him, the Nuggets are not in a good place right now, and he told his teammates so after a team scrimmage.
Michael Malone says Nikola Jokic called out his teammates after Denver’s scrimmage: “He said, ‘Guys, we are bad. We’re just running up and down. We’re not doing anything. We don’t know our plays. We’re not playing our defense. We’re going to get out ass kicked on Wednesday.”
Michael Malone says Nikola Jokic called out his teammates after Denver’s scrimmage: “He said, ‘Guys, we are bad. We’re just running up and down. We’re not doing anything. We don’t know our plays. We’re not playing our defense. We’re going to get out ass kicked on Wednesday.”
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) October 18, 2021
Malone himself actually said something similar to the media a few days ago…
“It’s everything,” Malone said when asked what the Nuggets need to work on and improve heading to the 2021-22 season. “We’re just not a very good team right now. No organization, too many blown sets, too many blown coverages, lack of communication, too many turnovers, sloppy, throwing the ball all over the place, starters got beat today because they had 15 turnovers and the other team only had five.”
So, it seems we shouldn’t be expecting the Nuggets to get off to a great start. Still, they’re in a better position than they were months ago.
With Jamal Murray working his way back into the lineup, and Michael Porter Jr. expected to take another step forward this season, the Nuggets might end up being better than ever.
As for Jokic, we already know what to expect from him. A 3x All-Star and 3x All-NBA player, he is the key to Denver’s success. Only time will tell how far he leads them this season.
