For the first time in their franchise’s history, the Denver Nuggets find themselves in uncharted territory—tasked with maintaining a championship-caliber roster around the best player in the world. Never before have the Nuggets enjoyed being perennial championship contenders thanks to the long-term commitment of their superstar, Nikola Jokic, who shows no signs of wanting to leave. This stability culminated in their crowning achievement: winning the 2023 NBA championship, officially cementing the Nuggets as a title-winning franchise.
However, the post-championship years have presented a different kind of challenge. As key contributors from their title run—like Bruce Brown and Jeff Green—left to secure larger contracts elsewhere, Denver has struggled to replace them without compromising depth or quality. While the team has had some success plugging holes with young talent like Christian Braun, they haven’t become the kind of destination that consistently attracts low-cost veterans chasing a ring—like David West did with the Warriors, for example. It’s a shame, because if the Jokic-era Nuggets have proven anything, it’s that they’re the league’s best at reviving fallen stars—which makes it even more puzzling that the Nuggets were not a bigger player in the Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal sweepstakes.
The Nuggets Should Become a Premier Destination for Fallen Stars
This is where the Nuggets still lag behind other previous dynasties. Teams like the Lakers, Heat, or Warriors have long benefited from their location or legacy to lure talented veterans at a discount. Denver, by contrast, lacks the coastal appeal or big-market buzz. But given their track record of helping players who buy into the Nuggets’ culture thrive and putting them into positions to earn major contracts, shouldn’t Denver be a top destination for any talented player experiencing a bump in his career?
The success stories are as numerous as they are diverse — ranging from young talents like Bones Hyland, who shined brightest in a Nuggets jersey, to veterans like Bruce Brown, who turned his successful stint into a major payday, and even former superstars like Russell Westbrook, who looked the best he has in years playing in the Mile High City. Yet, despite this impressive track record, the Nuggets have yet to fully leverage their reputation as a launchpad for players seeking to revive or maximize their careers.
Why Did Dame and Beal Not Want to Step into Westbrook’s Footsteps?
Given Westbrook’s highly publicized revitalization last year, you would think the Nuggets would be high on the list for any star trying to rediscover their form. And yet, when the Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal sweepstakes started, the Nuggets weren’t even in the conversation. That’s disappointing—and it points to an untapped opportunity for the franchise.
This advantage won’t last forever—it hinges almost entirely on the brilliance of Nikola Jokic. A once-in-a-generation playmaker, Jokic possesses a rare ability to adapt his game to complement virtually any style. His versatility allows him to elevate teammates in ways that even other all-time great playmakers like LeBron James occasionally struggle with. Players who thrive with the ball in their hands, such as Russell Westbrook, often clash with other heliocentric stars. But that is what makes the Serbian big man so special: He can seamlessly switch between being the primary ballhandler and creator from the post, or playing a more supportive role as a screener and roller. His deadly floater gives the ball handler a consistently easy and effective option, limiting live-ball turnovers, which Westbrook benefited greatly from last year.
Nuggets Made Mistake Missing Out on Beal
Take Bradley Beal, for example—pairing him with Jokić would have been a match made in basketball heaven. His blend of off-ball movement and on-ball shot creation would have made him an ideal fit in Denver’s offense, especially alongside the Serbian superstar. With the Clippers, Beal may benefit from playing under Tyronn Lue, one of the league’s best coaches, but the offensive fit alongside two ball dominant perimeter players like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden appears just as clunky as it was in Phoenix.
Damian Lillard’s situation is a bit different. After a tumultuous stint in Milwaukee—reportedly difficult both professionally and personally—his decision to return to Portland seems rooted more in personal comfort than anything else. That said, his potential fit alongside Jokic would have been fascinating. If Jamal Murray continues to struggle with consistency, Lillard could have been the co-star Denver might eventually need.
To be fair, this offseason has shown some encouraging signs of progress in Denver’s ability to attract free agents on team-friendly deals—most notably by bringing back Bruce Brown and signing Tim Hardaway Jr. Still, there’s plenty of room for growth.
The Nuggets have all the ingredients to become a destination for rejuvenating careers: a winning culture, a selfless superstar, and a proven ability to revive players’ careers. It’s time for the front office to lean into that identity—and build the next chapter of their title window on that foundation. So, let’s hope that the Nuggets will be bigger players in the future when situations arise similar to the Bradley Beal sweepstakes.
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