Everything is going swell for the 1-2 Denver Nuggets. If they weren't, why would people on social media speculate that Nikola Jokić insulting fans after playing uninspiring basketball signals the beginning of the end for Colorado's three-time MVP?
You knew this was coming. No, not the part about Jokić saying fans who booed the team at their home opener weren't real fans. But the part about how anything the center says or does gets dissected under a microscope because he chose not to sign an extension over the offseason.
When Denver hits a bump in the road (as it is now right out of the gate), that conversation will intensify. It's just the beginning of the season, but it's already happening.
It's not ideal that Jokić is criticizing the fans who booed Denver before its come-from-behind overtime win against New Orleans (and doubled down after losing to Golden State on Monday).
But that doesn't mean he's trying to force his way out. He will be eligible to sign a five-year, $360 million deal next summer, which would give him more money and security than if he had already re-signed, and he's said he wants to be with the Nuggets forever. If there is an NBA star you can take for his word, it's Jokić.
Believe it or not, there is still hope for Jokic and the Nuggets
This isn't the position a team chasing another championship should start the season in, but then again, it's still only the start of the season. Depending on how you look at it, that's good or bad.
Jokić didn't hold off on signing an extension because he wanted to see if Denver had what it takes to make another title push. It's not his way of pressuring the front office, though he has the right to do that. And they can't get too comfortable, even after he signs a new extension.
If the Nuggets don't want to worry about Jokić's future, the way to do that is to win. It cures all. They haven't done much of that so far, but how Denver looks in October matters little in the grand scheme. That doesn't excuse their lackadaisical style of play; it just serves as a reminder to us all that they still have 79 games left.
They've been without Cam Johnson (ankle), Julian Strawther (knee), Spencer Jones (hamstring), and Alpha Diallo (personal reasons). Denver looks like a completely different team when Johnson isn't on the floor, and while he's doubtful to play against the Pelicans on Wednesday, he should return soon.
Jokić hasn't been shooting the ball well (41.7 percent from the field), and neither has Aaron Gordon, at least not in the last two games. Those two are still rounding into form (you have reason to believe that), and Christian Braun can't be a non-factor on offense all season, right?
Oh, and let's not forget Jamal Murray, who was cold in the season opener but has already dropped 42 points this season.
This team isn't doomed, though you may feel that way right now. And things would be far more doom and gloom than they are right now if Jokić were to ask out. He's said he wants to retire in Denver, and you have to think he hasn't changed his mind because the Nuggets are off to a shaky start.
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