The Denver Nuggets were on top of the basketball world in 2023, capturing the franchise’s first-ever NBA Championship. At the heart of it all was Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP whose unique combination of size, skill, and IQ has made him arguably the most talented big man in NBA history. With veterans like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon alongside him and a solid bench that included Christian Braun and Bruce Brown, the Nuggets looked poised to become the NBA’s next dynasty.

Fast forward to 2025, and things aren’t quite as bright in Denver. The team has remained competitive but has struggled to maintain the same level of dominance. Cost-cutting and the natural challenges of the NBA salary cap have slowly chipped away at the championship roster. Instead of reloading, the Nuggets have quietly slipped from being the league’s most balanced team to a contender fighting to stay in the upper tier of the Western Conference.

This decline became painfully evident during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, when the Nuggets fell in the Western Conference Semifinals to the rising Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite pushing the series to seven games, Denver came up short. Both Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook struggled against OKC’s young, athletic core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — a team that would eventually go on to win the championship.

And now, one of basketball’s loudest voices has weighed in. NBA legend Charles Barkley didn’t hold back when addressing Denver’s current situation, accusing the franchise of “wasting” Jokic’s peak years.

Charles Barkley Sounds the Alarm

“The problem they have now is that they’re playing catch-up,” Barkley said. “And I always tell people this: You never catch up. It might be too late because they’re not head and shoulders, the best starting five. They got rid of their two best players off the bench when they won the championship.”

Barkley’s comments point to what many analysts have quietly observed: Denver’s roster depth has taken a major hit since their title run. Bruce Brown, a key defensive and playmaking guard, left for Indiana after the championship season. Jeff Green, a steady veteran presence, moved on as well. The Nuggets didn’t adequately replace those minutes, instead leaning heavier on young and unproven talent.

While Jokic continues to post MVP-caliber numbers, the rest of the roster hasn’t kept pace with the rising competition in the West. Teams like Oklahoma City, Houston, and even the rebuilding San Antonio Spurs are stocked with young, dynamic talent that improves year after year.

“Man, if you got a chance to win, you better go for it,” Barkley added. “And they really wasted the Joker over the last couple of years. The problem they got now is they’re not better than Oklahoma City. And I’m sure they’re not better than the Rockets.”

Is Denver Really Falling Behind?

Barkley’s blunt assessment may sound extreme, but the Nuggets’ trajectory raises valid concerns. In today’s NBA, standing still often means falling behind. Superstars require the right supporting cast, not just once but continuously.

At the time of their 2023 title, Denver had an ideal balance — a top-heavy core of Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gordon supported by smart veterans and young contributors. But as salaries increased, financial flexibility decreased. The Nuggets chose continuity over aggression in free agency and the trade market, a decision that may have cost them their window to dominate.

Other franchises have shown the opposite approach. Barkley himself referenced how dynasties like the 1980s Celtics and Lakers constantly added pieces to sustain their runs. “Perfect example,” he said. “Go back and look. When those guys had Larry Bird, they brought in somebody every year… The Celtics, they brought in Bill Walton one year, the Lakers bring in Mychal Thompson. They brought in Bob McAdoo and Sam Perkins. That’s what made the Celtics and Lakers the best franchises in NBA history.”

In other words, championship teams can’t afford complacency. They must constantly evolve, even when they’re on top.

The Jokic Timeline

At 30 years old, Nikola Jokic is in the middle of what should be his prime. The 2025–26 season will be his 11th in the league, and he already has an MVP résumé that will eventually put him among the all-time greats.

But great players are ultimately judged by their rings. One championship cements Jokic’s greatness but does not elevate him into the pantheon of players who dominated their eras with multiple titles. For that, the Nuggets need to act — and soon.

If Denver can’t find a way to add another elite piece or rebuild the depth that made them dangerous in 2023, it’s possible Jokic could eventually explore other options. He’s shown no public indication of wanting out, but in the NBA, things change quickly when winning becomes uncertain.

The West Is Only Getting Tougher

Adding to Denver’s challenge is the reality of the Western Conference landscape. The Thunder have already leapt ahead, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. The Rockets are no longer a rebuilding team; they’re a young powerhouse with star potential across multiple positions. Even the Spurs, now built around Victor Wembanyama, are rising fast.

Denver can no longer rely on experience and Jokic’s brilliance alone. The NBA has entered an era where youth, versatility, and shooting depth dictate success, and the Nuggets have lost some of that edge.

What Denver Must Do Next

For Denver to maximize Jokic’s peak, they need to:

Rebuild the Bench: Depth was a defining trait of the 2023 title team. Adding reliable veterans and versatile role players is essential.

Add Another Star-Level Player: Jokic remains elite, but Jamal Murray has battled injuries, and Porter Jr. has been inconsistent. A third legitimate All-Star-caliber piece could change everything.

Stay Aggressive: The Nuggets can’t be passive in trade discussions. If an opportunity arises to bring in a difference-maker, they must seize it — even if it costs future assets.

If not, Barkley’s warning may prove prophetic: the Nuggets could look back at Jokic’s prime years as a missed opportunity to build a dynasty.

The Clock Is Ticking

At this point, Denver’s front office faces a critical two-year window. The Nuggets don’t need to panic, but they can’t afford to waste any more time either. Jokic is too good, too special, and too unique a talent for the franchise to settle for being just another playoff team.

Whether they take bold steps this season or risk watching other contenders pass them by will determine not just their future — but Jokic’s legacy.

As Barkley bluntly put it: “If you got a chance to win, you better go for it.” For the Nuggets, the time is now.