Jokićs Honest Assessment: Nuggets Current Core Insufficient for a Title

The Denver Nuggets' 2023-2024 season came to an end in the Western Conference semifinals after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Game 7 on Sunday. Despite their best efforts, the Nuggets were unable to overcome the Thunder and advance to the conference finals. In an interview following the loss, Nikola Jokić was asked if he felt the Nuggets were still contenders with the core from the 2023 championship team. The journalist also noted the back-to-back full series and injuries to Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. "I mean, we didn't, so [we] obviously can't," Jokić said. "If we could, we would win it. I don't believe in those 'If, if' stuff. We had the opportunity; we didn't win, so I think we can't." Despite the loss, Jokić had a strong season with the Nuggets, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists while shooting 57.6% from the field. The Nuggets went 50-32 in the regular season and their playoff run came after head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth were fired three games before the postseason. Despite their second-round exit, Jokić is still a finalist for the NBA MVP award alongside the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Nuggets will have to rebuild and hope for a better season next year, but for now, Jokić's words ring true: they can't win a title with this core. The Nuggets' season may have ended in disappointment, but Jokić's performance and leadership will be remembered as a highlight of the year. With a new season on the horizon, the Nuggets will look to build on their experience and bring back the championship-winning spirit that made them a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.