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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) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 26: Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) carries the ball guarded by Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid (21) in the second half during the game between the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers on March 26, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 26: Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) carries the ball guarded by Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid (21) in the second half during the game between the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers on March 26, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Too many offensive sets

On the subject of Malone, Coach has proven himself a decent fit overall. Malone’s players like him, and he successfully re-established trust in the Mile High. Even DeMarcus Cousins speaks highly of Coach Mike…and the NBA-world knows this isn’t an easy feat. Although he is an overall attribute to Denver, Malone occasionally blunders game strategy in a big way.

Early last season, he triggered the offense through Millsap rather than Jokic. Later in the year, Malone was forced to save a slumping squad from his previously-developed offensive sets that weren’t working.

The best coaches learn from their mistakes…often pointed out by top players.

Coach Mike has a funny, yet humble, down-to-earth personality that renders him open to development. Malone must allow Jokic to roam free as the Unicorn he is. And Jokic needs to nudge his coach in the proper direction from time-to-time. A free-flowing, Nikola-based offense is Denver’s most effective playbook. Jokic and Malone both know this…they do need the occasional reminder, however.

Conclusion 

It is impossible to fully forecast this year’s ultra-competitive Western Conference. Many teams will jockey for playoff positioning in 2018-19. Denver fans anticipate the franchise’s most talented roster since George Karl left in a huff.

By all accounts, Jokic is expected to successfully lead the Nuggets back to the postseason. Established in Denver for the long haul, Nikola has a blazing future ahead of him.

Top 10 Denver Nuggets of all time. dark. Next

If he avoids these pitfalls, look for the Mile High to turn heads this upcoming season.

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