Nikola Jokic Seemingly Points Finger at Former Head Coach and Front Office after Nuggets’ Playoff Exit

Nuggets star man Nikola Jokic did not shy away from speaking his mind regarding his roster after the recent Game 7 defeat against the Thunder.

Nikola Jokic Seemingly Points Finger at Former Head Coach and Front Office after Nuggets’ Playoff Exit

Michael Malone, Calvin Booth and Nikola Jokic (Image by FirstSportz)

The Denver Nuggets’ 2024–25 season ended in heartbreak with a Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday afternoon. It was a turbulent year marked by uncertainty, including the midseason firings of former head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. Despite the chaos, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets managed to push through and reach the conference semifinals, showing resilience in the face of adversity.

They were just inches away from making the WCF Finals, but the Thunder were just too good this NBA season, with their star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading them towards the finals. Now that the season is over, the Nuggets have a pivotal offseason ahead of them, one that might bring about a lot of change. Naturally, Denver’s first task after firing Booth is to appoint a new general manager.

They also have to determine whether to hire David Adelman as head coach or find someone else to take Malone’s place. With this going in the background, the Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had a straightforward response regarding his side’s championship hopes post the recent loss, taking sly jabs at the front office in the process.

We didn’t (win the title), so obviously we can’t, If we could, we would win it. I don’t believe in those ifs stuff. We had opportunities. We didn’t win it, so I think we can’t.

Nikola Jokic said

Jokic made a significant message, and the front staff should not ignore it in the summer as they work to turn Denver back into a contender for the championship. Naturally, the Nuggets have the majority of the players from their 2023 championship on their squad. But they will need to make certain tweaks and upgrades if they are to compete for the title again.

Also, per Jokic’s remarks following the Nuggets’ playoff defeat, the team should retool its roster because the Nuggets have now fallen in the second round in consecutive seasons. It will be intriguing to watch how the Nuggets’ front office adheres to Jokic’s commands going into the offseason.

Nikola Jokic shared his views on his side’s roster depth

The quick adjustments to their bench depth by their front offices have allowed the Thunder and the Wolves to advance to the conference finals. Following extensive bench rotations in the months preceding this season, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are also experiencing success on the Eastern side.

After coming across this, Nikola Jokic is likely of the opinion that the Nuggets would also benefit from a similar overhaul.

We definitely need (more depth). It seems like the teams that have longer rotations, longer bench, are the ones who are winning. Indiana. OKC. Minnesota.

Nikola Jokic said

Jokic would prefer to win more than one championship. To provide the three time MVP with further assistance and skill this offseason, the Denver front staff will undoubtedly be active this summer.

However, it won’t be an easy task for the Nuggets as many of their opposition will also be scheming offseason. The Nuggets front office has to get every deal right in place for Jokic and Co. to contend for the NBA title next season.

Nikola Jokic gives credit to his MVP rival, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in the crucial Game 7 of the WCF Semifinals, thanks to their star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In 36 minutes of action, SGA shot 12/19 from the field and 3/4 from three-point range, finishing with 35 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Jokic discussed Gilgeous-Alexander with the NBA following the game.

He’s a special player. His shot selection, his shot’s capability, making his own shots, separation, playing at his rhythm. Defensively, he was like always tipping the balls, always blocking shots… He’s a special player.

Nikola Jokic said

As Jokic and Co. now move onto the offseason to rest and get their minds straight ahead of the new season, the battle for SGA and the Thunder gets tougher. They now face the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.

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