Much has been made of Nikola Jokic’s supporting cast over the years, or lack thereof. He has famously never had a teammate make the All-Star Game, but perhaps that’s not the be-all end-all, as the Nuggets are off to an incredible start to the season, thanks to their big 3 of Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon.
So far this season, when those three players share the floor, the Nuggets are outscoring teams by 21.2 points per 100 possessions, they’re in the 99th percentile for net rating, the 98th percentile for offensive rating, and the 93rd percentile for defensive rating per Cleaning the Glass.
Aside from the Joker, this trio may not have the accolades, but they fit perfectly together, they have amazing chemistry, and they’re all healthy and playing well. The result has been Denver bludgeoning teams, thanks to their big 3.
There are plenty of teams with more decorated and celebrated trios across the NBA. The Lakers have Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the Warriors have Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, the Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle, and that’s just to name a few.
But it’s the Nuggets’ trio with two players who have never made an All-Star team, an All-Defense team, an All-NBA team, or anything of that nature that is currently playing the best basketball in the league.
Nuggets’ big 3 propped up by Jokic
Now, if we’re being fair, a lot of this “big 3” success just stems from Jokic being the best player in the league by such a wide margin. His own net rating is roughly +47, and frankly, the team does well no matter who he shares the floor with.
It just helps that Murray and Gordon are playing as well as they are. Murray’s play has been a major boon for the offense, especially when Jokci is on the bench. And Gordon has been anchoring a pleasantly surprising defense that has been one of the best in the league.
What really stands out is the continuity and connectivity. The three players seem to be operating in sync in a way that’s beautiful to watch. It’s no coincidence that these three have been playing together for six seasons now, and their connection is better than it’s ever been.
In an era of player movement and transactions, it’s as vital as ever to keep a core intact and let them grow together. That’s exactly what the Nuggets have done since trading for Gordon back in 2021.