Nikola Jokic is averaging 24.4 points, down from his career-high 29.6 points, and he’s attempting 15.1 shots per game, compared to 19.5 last season. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, according to Nuggets head coach David Adelman. The coach would prefer to see the points more evenly distributed. “If we can get through games without having to post him up 25 times, I think … [Read more...] about Nuggets Notes: Jokic, Johnson, Hardaway Jr., Brown
Nuggets, Jonas Valanciunas Adjust 2026/27 Contract Terms
The Nuggets and Jonas Valanciunas have agreed to restructure the final year of the veteran center’s contract, reports Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link). As Fischer details, Valanciunas’ deal runs through 2026/27, but his entire $10MM salary would have been non-guaranteed if he was waived by June 29 — the two sides have agreed to push back that trigger date to July … [Read more...] about Nuggets, Jonas Valanciunas Adjust 2026/27 Contract Terms
Northwest Notes: Dudley, Jazz, Ainge, Thunder
Jared Dudley had a lengthy NBA career. As an assistant coach with the Nuggets, Dudley now finds himself in charge of Denver’s defensive schemes. His main mission is a simple one. “Coming up with a defense that protects (Nikola Jokic),” he told Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. Dudley is doing so by having Denver’s guards and wings take on more responsibilities at that end of … [Read more...] about Northwest Notes: Dudley, Jazz, Ainge, Thunder
Westbrook: Nuggets ‘Told Me Not To’ Pick Up Player Option
Returning to Denver on Monday for the first time since departing the team as a free agent over the summer, Kings point guard Russell Westbrook had a big night, racking up 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in a 130-124 loss. Asked after the game about his time with the Nuggets, Westbrook said he thought it was “great” but that “other people” didn’t necessarily feel the … [Read more...] about Westbrook: Nuggets ‘Told Me Not To’ Pick Up Player Option
Nuggets Notes: Valanciunas, Jordan, Jokic, Murray
The Nuggets have been pleased with the play of backup big man Jonas Valanciunas early on this season, according to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. During the second quarter of Wednesday’s win over New Orleans, head coach David Adelman was able to rest Nikola Jokic for nearly eight-and-a-half minutes, with Denver extending its lead during that stretch. “To have different … [Read more...] about Nuggets Notes: Valanciunas, Jordan, Jokic, Murray