Kroenke's lukewarm comments on Jokic extension sure to make Nuggets fans panic

During the Nuggets' introductory press conference for Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, Josh Kroenke was asked about Nikola Jokic's potential contract extension this summer, saying, "We're definitely going to offer it. I'm not sure if he's going to accept it or not."

Jokic has never played anywhere but Denver during his NBA career and has never expressed any inkling of a desire to leave, but still, these comments from ownership are a bit scary. Surely Josh doesn't want to speak on behalf of Joker, but would it kill him to express a bit more confidence?

Maybe he was just being coy, and he did go on to explain that there may be financial reasons for Jokic not to sign and that the team would be completely transparent in helping Nikola do what is best for him and his family. But he didn't say anything definitive about signing Jokic to an extension now, or later.

Jokic could put really pressure on Nuggets by not signing

Jokic still has two years left on his contract, but on July 8th, he becomes eligible to sign a 3-year, $212 million extension. Ramona Shelburne and Tim McMahon of ESPN reported back in April that, "The assumption around the league is that he will do so. But if there's even a slight pause in his decision-making, it will be devastating for the Nuggets."

And that last line is the part that has fans in Denver terrified. Anything but immediately extending his contract for as long, and as much money as possible would be the first possible sign that Jokic is unsure about his future with the team.

Maybe he wants to see what direction the new front office will take. He could be starting to see the finish line for his career and may want to ensure he does whatever it takes to win as many championships as possible, or at least put himself in the best position to do so. And as he turns 30, maybe he doesn't think the Nuggets are the right team for him to do that.

Nuggets need to maximize Jokic's prime now

Jokic is in the heart of his prime, and it won't go on forever. The team has expressed over and over again how much pressure they feel to maximize this window, but it's time for action. Whether Jokic signs this extension or not, the clock is ticking.

Shooting, depth, and winning the margins were stressed in the press conference, and that's where the team has to start. In the past few years, the team has lost the margins badly, and that's what has cost them in the playoffs.

They need to get creative in building out the roster and make sure that things are heading in the right direction, and Jokic sees a path to winning a championship next season and beyond.