Nuggets Should Not Waste Nikola Jokic’s Prime, Warns Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins called out the Denver Nuggets for wasting Nikola Jokic's prime.

Nuggets Should Not Waste Nikola Jokic’s Prime, Warns Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins and Nikola Jokic (Image credits - Heavy Sports and The Japan Times)

There is little doubt that Nikola Jokic has been arguably the league’s best player for a while. Over the last six years, he has won three MVP awards and finished second in the MVP race in the other three seasons. He is only the third player in NBA history to finish top 2 in MVP voting for six straight years.

Drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Jokic is considered the greatest draft steal in league history. He even led them to their first-ever championship in 2023 and was named the Finals MVP for his performances.

Unfortunately, Jokic and the Nuggets have been underwhelming in the playoffs since their championship run. Despite his record-breaking performances, they haven’t made it past the second round in the last three seasons.

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins was asked if the organization is maximizing Jokic’s talents.

No. They’re not. We are talking about a top-10 center of all time. We are talking about arguably the best player in basketball in his prime. The Denver Nuggets can’t continue to afford to waste Jokic greatness. At some point, they have to do what’s right by him. They have to hit the market.

Kendrick Perkins on NBA Today

Jokic’s greatness remains unquestioned. He has averaged a triple-double in each of his last three seasons and is the most complete offensive center the league has ever seen. However, many believe his teammates have let him down in the playoffs in the last three years.

The Nuggets were knocked out in the first round last season by the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. The Serbian international was criticized for his poor performances for the first time in a long time.

He went through a rough stretch, and his teammates struggled to get going as well. Hence, Perkins believes the Nuggets have done a poor job in building a championship-contending roster around their franchise player. However, he got his facts wrong about the Nuggets not doing enough in the market.

While the players the Nuggets signed may not have performed as well as hoped, the organization has done a lot to build its roster. Right now, they have the league’s highest payroll and are the only team above the second apron. Therefore, it is unfair to say that the Nuggets are “wasting” Jokic’s greatness.

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Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray duo has run its course

While Jokic earned plaudits during the Nuggets’ 2023 championship run, Jamal Murray was the perfect second option, and his scoring was crucial to the team’s success. However, his consistency throughout his career has often been questioned.

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray (Image credits – NBA)

Heading into the new season, Kendrick Perkins challenged Murray and believes he must now deliver on the potential many have touted.

I strongly believe that the Jokic-Jamal Murray duo has run its course when it comes to trying to win a championship with those two guys leading the charge. Denver wants to roll the dice and go with it again that means Murray is going to have to up his game even more.

Kendrick Perkins on NBA Today

Murray was drafted by the Nuggets in 2016 and has completed nine seasons in the NBA. He earned his first NBA All-Star nomination and was named to the All-NBA Third Team last season. However, to win the championship, Perkins believes Murray needs to step up so Jokic’s efforts aren’t wasted.

Nikola Jokic believes health will be a major factor for the Nuggets next season

When Nikola Jokic is on the team, the expectations should be winning the championship. The three-time MVP is in the prime of his career, and the Nuggets need to do everything they can to lift a championship or two in the coming years.

During an interview with Complex, Jokic was asked what the Nuggets need to do to become NBA champions once again.

I mean, definitely, we need to stay healthy. That’s going to be the No. 1 key for us. We failed on that part for a couple of years, I think like two or three years. Seems like we were not healthy when we needed it the most. And then, I think staying healthy or being healthy is the No. 1 thing.

Nikola Jokic on Complex on the Scene

With the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs seen as title contenders, the Nuggets will have their hands full heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Injuries have been a concern for the Nuggets over the past few years, and Jokic and his teammates will need to stay fit and healthy if they want any chance of going all the way next year.

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