It has taken the better part of a decade, but the Nuggets have finally managed to put the perfect roster around their superstar, Nikola Jokic. Everything built up to 2023, when the team won its first title in franchise history, but that team was flawed. They overcame those issues thanks to the brilliance of Jokic, Jamal Murray, and others, but that roster was far from perfect.
The roster got worse in the two seasons since winning it all, but this offseason, the Nuggets’ front office has finally seen the light, and they’ve given Jokic everything he has ever wanted. The starting unit was already elite, but swapping Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson should unlock another level.
Johnson provides the same excellent shooting as MPJ, but he brings much more to the table in terms of cutting, screening, playmaking, and finishing around the rim. Johnson is also a basketball savant and should be able to build an incredible connection with the Joker.
Nuggets’ depth can counter any situation
But beyond the (expected) starting lineup, this team now has insane depth and versatility to be able to solve any potential problem. They’ve given Jokci added depth in the frontcourt as he now has a true backup center in Jonas Valanciunas.
Big Val should also play with Jokic at times, which should be an incredible “Twin Towers” lineup. They also got rookie DaRon Holmes back from injury, who should be able to fill in at either frontcourt spot and play with Jokic, JV, Aaron Gordon, or as the lone big.
And that’s not all. The Nuggets have also boosted their wing depth in a big way. Johnson, Christian Braun, and Gordon can all provide great minutes on the wing on both ends of the court, but the optionality off the bench will take it up a notch.
Whenever someone needs a rest, David Adelman has a plethora of options to choose from. He can opt for sharp-shooting with Tim Hardaway Jr. or Julian Strawther, he can go for a steady hand on both ends with Bruce Brown, or he can opt for athleticism and defense with Peyton Watson.
These are all great options, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how Adelman manipulates his rotations and which lineup combinations he’ll lean on in different situations. The beauty of it is that every player on the roster should fit well with Jokic in one way or another, and help him and the team reach the ultimate goal, winning another title.