Nugg Love
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: Three ways for Nikola Jokic to fail

By James Siegle

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 17: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game on November 17, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 17: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game on November 17, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5), center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Devin Harris (34) on the bench in the first half of their regular-season finale vs the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. April 11, 2018 Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5), center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Devin Harris (34) on the bench in the first half of their regular-season finale vs the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. April 11, 2018 Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Nikola Jokic has established himself as a franchise stud for the Denver Nuggets. Here are the pitfalls he must avoid to continue success in 2018-19.

Nikola Jokic’s unique style quickly propelled him onto the NBA map…and lifted the Denver Nuggets from their previously slumping ways. Drafted in the second round of 2014, Jokic was a Hail-Mary pick…as most second rounders are. He wasted little time proving himself as much more, starting 55 of his 80 games in 2015-16 (ESPN).

Before you could say what-a-pass-by-Nikola, Denver had transitioned from the lackluster Brian Shaw squad to a young, exciting team with star-grazing potential. Last year, Denver finished just 3.5 ppg behind Golden State for the NBA’s top-scoring offense (ESPN). Many analysts believe the Nuggets will compete for this year’s top spot.

Fresh off a lucrative contract extension, Jokic looks ready as ever to lead Denver to their first playoff appearance since the George Karl era. Yet Notorious B.I.G would be quick to point out that “mo money,” sometimes means “mo problems” in the NBA. The basketball world holds lofty expectations for young Nikola this year.

Here are three pitfalls for Jokic to avoid in 2018-19:

Home/Nuggets News