There is concern about the ability of Nikola Jokic‘s Denver Nuggets to maintain their level of competitiveness in the NBA, while Luka Doncic‘s Dallas Mavericks are smiling. Despite winning the championship in 2022, analysts believe the Nuggets’ window of opportunity is closing.
According to ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst, one of the main reasons for this evaluation is the Nuggets’ inability to retain key players. Since winning the title, they’ve lost crucial pieces like Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope through free agency.
This lack of depth on the roster has affected the Nuggets’ performance. Despite having Nikola Jokic, one of the best players in the league, the team has struggled to compete at the highest level.
The Mavericks as contenders
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, last season’s Western Conference champions, remain a team to watch. With Luka Doncic at the helm, the Mavs have the tools they need to compete for the title.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets defends Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter during the NBA In-Season Tournament at Ball Arena on November 3, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
However, the Western Conference is highly competitive, and the Mavericks will face challenges to repeat their success. Teams like the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Nuggets themselves will be tough opponents to beat.
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What’s next for the Denver Nuggets’ future in the NBA?
The Nuggets’ situation is uncertain. If they can’t strengthen their roster and keep their key players, they could struggle to compete for the championship in the coming years. It will be interesting to see how the Nuggets’ situation evolves and if they can find solutions to remain a competitive team in the NBA.
