The Denver Nuggets defied expectations by reaching the conference semifinals in the 2025 NBA playoffs, despite parting ways with Michael Malone just beforehand. Though they eventually fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team’s performance speaks volumes about the strength of its sports project. However, head coach David Adelman has voiced a genuine concern regarding Nikola Jokic as they look toward the upcoming season.
In an interview with the Denver Post’s Bennett Durando, David Adelman was asked if he planned to regulate Jokic’s minutes more in the upcoming season to prevent overworking him. He responded sharply, “We know that one of the most important things we have to do next season is take care of him, and make sure that he is the best version of himself if we’re lucky enough to get to that playoff spot. So yeah, it’s a concern. But it needs to be talked about. It needs to be done the right way. That’s what we’re gonna do.”
Nikola Jokic’s stellar performance has been pivotal in propelling the Denver Nuggets deep into the postseason. Averaging a triple-double, he exerts an all-encompassing influence on the team. As a result, the Nuggets lean heavily on him, leading to extended minutes on the court, which raises fan concerns about the potential risk of injury. He has even spoken up, emphasizing the crucial need for deeper rotations and a longer bench if the team wants to stay competitive.
The franchise has strategically enhanced its roster by adding Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., significantly bolstering its depth. Additionally, it secured Jonas Valanciunas to strengthen its presence in the post. However, the spotlight now shifts to David Adelman, who faces the challenge of integrating these new talents into a cohesive and competitive unit.
Nikola Jokic is under contract with the Nuggets until 2028.
David Adelman breaks down how Jonas Valanciunas fits into the Nuggets’ game plan
The Denver Nuggets decided to trade Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings to acquire Jonas Valanciunas, but his arrival has been somewhat dramatic. Speculation arose because the Lithuanian center reportedly wanted to play for Panathinaikos of Greece. Nevertheless, he seems set to play alongside Jokic. In response to this, David Adelman explained how he plans to use Valanciunas on the team.
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“He’s a bona fide, big-time center over the last decade who you can put in a bunch of different spots all over the floor. When I say ‘point center,’ I mean someone you can play through in the half-court… It’s not the assist numbers that matter to me. It’s his ability to start ball movement through the impact of who he is. So he’s an enormous get. I’m super excited about getting him here, getting him acclimated,” David Adelman said, via the Denver Post’s Bennett Durando.
With the arrival of a versatile player, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic gains a significant boost in creative support for the team. Jonas’s ability to adapt to various positions offers head coach David Adelman enhanced flexibility, potentially allowing both formidable big men to start together.
