The Denver Nuggets did not close out the season quietly. After parting ways with head coach Michael Malone, questions quickly surfaced about the future of the franchise’s core. Those concerns only grew louder when the Nuggets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs. In the wake of that disappointment, reporters asked Nikola Jokic whether he still believed this roster had what it takes to win another NBA Championship. The two-time MVP did not hold back in his response.
“We didn’t, so obviously we can’t. If we could, we would win it. I don’t believe in that ‘if’ stuff. We had opportunities. We didn’t win it, so I think we can’t,” stated Nikola Jokic after the Game 7 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While his statements may be harsh to some, they reflect the sentiment of fans who have been criticizing the lack of support in the offense for the Serbian star this postseason.
Although Jokic rarely comments on roster construction, when a reporter asked whether the team needed more depth, he did not hold back: “We definitely need it. It seems like the teams that have longer rotations, longer bench, are the ones who are winning. Indiana. OKC. Minnesota.“
Nikola Jokic’s words resonated strongly with Denver Nuggets fans, especially after what happened in Game 7 against the Thunder. The Serbian star was the only player to score more than 19 points, which highlighted his leadership. Meanwhile, his teammates struggled to contribute on offense, and that had a major impact. None of the players that came from the bench reached double digits, which exposed the team’s lack of depth.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Ball Arena on February 22, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
Interim head coach David Adelman receives high praise from Nikola Jokic
The Denver Nuggets shocked the NBA by firing head coach Michael Malone just before the playoffs. David Adelman stepped in as interim head coach and took control of the team’s postseason plans. He exceeded expectations from the start. First, he guided Denver past the Orlando Magic. Then, he pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to a hard-fought Game 7. The team responded with intensity, focus, and belief. David’s presence on the sideline brought urgency and direction.
see also
Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic gets real about Aaron Gordon’s decision to play through injury in Game 7 vs Thunder
As a result, fans quickly noticed the change. His leadership created a spark that helped the Nuggets compete at a high level. Even Nikola Jokic praised Adelman’s influence. “I think he changed energy. I think the guys were woken up a little. Guys had more energy. He made us believe something, and we played good. We played a seven-game series against the best team in the NBA. We had opportunity, we had chances. I think he did a really good job.”
Considering his recent good perfomances, fans have started calling for David Adelman to remain head coach for the 2025–26 season. However, he will need a deeper roster to make a serious impact. If the front office gives him the right pieces, he could take full advantage of Nikola Jokic’s prime and lead the Nuggets in pursuit of another NBA championship.
