Nikola Jokic Remains Nuggets Centerpiece After Another Historic Season

Nikola Jokic remains the unquestioned centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets after another extraordinary regular season, while Denver reshapes the supporting cast around its three-time MVP.

Another historic statistical year

Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 2025-26, according to NBA.com. He averaged a triple-double for the second consecutive regular season and finished second in MVP voting.

Those numbers underline how much Denver’s offense depends on his ability to score, rebound and create opportunities. Few players can influence so many parts of a game without dominating every possession.

Denver changes the supporting cast

The Nuggets have adjusted the roster around Jokic. NBA.com notes that Denver has added and reshaped several pieces, including DeMar DeRozan, while other veteran players have moved on.

The goal is straightforward: create a supporting group capable of helping Jokic survive the physical demands of a long season and perform more effectively against elite playoff defenses.

Playoff results create pressure

Regular-season success is no longer enough for Denver. The Nuggets have remained competitive around Jokic, but early playoff exits have increased attention on roster construction and the team’s ability to sustain championship-level performance.

Jokic himself has continued to express a desire to remain with Denver for the long term. That gives the organization a clear foundation, but it also increases responsibility for building a roster that can maximize his remaining prime years.

Why fit matters

Denver does not need every new player to become a star. It needs complementary skills. Shooting, secondary creation, defense and reliable decision-making can make Jokic more dangerous by forcing opponents to defend multiple threats.

The coaching staff will therefore spend the preseason determining which combinations produce the best balance. Lineup flexibility could become especially important in playoff series when opponents repeatedly target weaknesses.

Hudson Tribune view

Jokic gives Denver one of basketball’s strongest foundations. The larger question is whether the supporting cast can turn another elite individual season into a deeper postseason run.

Follow Hudson Tribune Sports and NBA coverage. Official statistics and team information are available from NBA.com and the Denver Nuggets.