The Denver Nuggets went out and got Nikola Jokic the depth he has been asking for since winning the championship in 2023. Jonas Valanciunas gives them a backup big man capable of spelling the three-time MVP enough to maximize his elite production. The additions of Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. create lineup flexibility, which is crucial in the playoffs.

That is something the team has lacked in recent years. The Nuggets were searching for places to turn in their second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Russell Westbrook played nearly 22 minutes in Game 7 and is currently without an NBA job. Denver couldn’t trust their bench, but injuries to Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. left them with no choice.

Jokic recognized the problem, and the Nuggets immediately remedied it to keep their superstar happy. They have more shooting, defense, playmaking, and finally a trusted backup big man to let the Joker rest. It is just what their superstar ordered.

Nuggets finally got Nikola Jokic the depth he wanted

Jokic is already an all-time great, but he needs more rings to break into the next stratosphere. He is the best player on the planet right now and will be in the running for his fourth MVP honor. The roster improvements help his cause. The Most Valuable Player usually comes from one of the top teams in the standings. The Nuggets’ depth will lead to more regular-season wins and increase their superstar’s chances of becoming the sixth player in league history to win the award at least four times.

The Nuggets may finally be able to let Jokic rest on the bench for stretches. He played 36.7 minutes per game last season, which was the fifth-most in the NBA. Denver would love to get that closer to 33 per night and fully maximize his time on the floor. Valanciunas, being a steady backup big man, will allow them to make that change.

Johnson and Hardaway Jr. should more than make up for the 3-point shooting and scoring lost by Michael Porter Jr.’s departure. Fans saw what Brown could do next to Jokic during the Nuggets’ title season. These are all perfect fits around the best player on the planet, and the Nuggets return four starters from last year’s squad.

It is title or bust in the Mile High City, but the roster improvements make them a serious challenger to dethrone the Thunder. The Nuggets are better than last season, when they lost to OKC in seven games. Jokic is at his peak and should be happy. The franchise granted his wish and has set him up for a championship run.

The Denver Nuggets still have work to do. Christian Braun is extension-eligible until Oct. 20, and the two sides would love to agree on a new deal. Nikola Jokic would certainly be ecstatic about it. The Nuggets have the talent and depth their superstar wanted. Now it is all about bringing another championship back to Denver.