MVP Nikola Jokic suggests pay cut for Nuggets squad over embarrassing performances

Nikola Jokic made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that his teammates' salaries should be reduced to motivate them for upcoming games.

MVP Nikola Jokic suggests pay cut for Nuggets squad over embarrassing performances

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets suffered a 122-113 loss to the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Saturday night. This defeat marked yet another loss for the Nuggets this season, and it came at the hands of a team that has struggled to find consistency this season with a 3-18 record.

In the post-game press conference, Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that his teammates’ salaries should be reduced to motivate them for upcoming games. Jokic’s comment was likely made in jest, but it highlights the frustration and disappointment within the Nuggets organization following their lackluster performance.

Where I’m coming from, after this kind of stretch you’re gonna get a paycheck that is a little bit less than you are worth.

Nikola Jokic remarked

Nevertheless, Jokic delivered a phenomenal performance in Washington, scoring a career-high 56 points to go along with 16 rebounds, eight assists, and a steal. Despite his impressive individual effort, the Denver Nuggets fell short, dropping to 11-10 on the season.

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Jokic’s supporting cast failed to provide sufficient help, a concern that is becoming increasingly familiar. With Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon sidelined due to injury, Michael Porter Jr. was expected to step up, but he managed only 11 points on 5-14 shooting. Only two other Nuggets, Julian Strawther and Christian Braun, reached double figures in scoring, highlighting the team’s overall lackluster performance.’

Eddie Johnson questioned why Nikola Jokic continues to need a reliable supporting cast

The Denver Nuggets’ recent struggles have sparked concerns that Nikola Jokic‘s exceptional season may be going to waste. Despite Jokic’s impressive individual performance, including a career-high 56 points against the Washington Wizards, the team’s inability to secure victories has raised questions about the supporting cast’s ability to complement their star player.

However, former NBA player Eddie Johnson has countered this narrative, questioning why Jokic needs additional help when the same critics had previously chastised LeBron James for seeking support in Miami in 2010. Johnson’s comments highlight the seeming inconsistency in expectations surrounding star players and their teams.

LeBron did not win a chip in Cleveland because he had no help, but dragged a team to the Finals in 2007 and people were mad when he left to Miami seeking help, but Denver has the same 4 key players that formed the quote best starting 5 from title team and now he needs help?

Eddie Johnson wrote on X

The Nuggets won the 2023 NBA championship with one of the most balanced starting fives in the league. That quintet, composed of Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, started 41 games in 2022-23 and went 27-14. That five wasn’t only Mike Malone‘s starting unit, but also his “death five.”