Nikola Jokic criticized the lack of depth in the team after the Denver Nuggets’ playoff exit. Owner Josh Kroenke showed understanding for his superstar’s displeasure.
As the first step of this offseason, the Nuggets officially promoted interim coach David Adelman to head coach. At the press conference called for this purpose, Governor Josh Kroenke answered questions from journalists and also addressed the doubts of Nikola Jokic, who noted the lack of depth in the squad.
“I heard Jokic’s comments loud and clear,” Kroenke said. ‘But I was already aware of that before he said it. Anyone who watched the playoffs could see that clearly.’ The Nuggets were eliminated in Game 7 of the second round for the second time in a row after winning the championship in 2023. In the decisive game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets didn’t stand a chance and looked completely exhausted.
Nuggets lack depth in their roster
Aaron Gordon played with a torn thigh muscle, Michael Porter Jr. struggled through the playoffs with a shoulder injury. Both had to play a lot of minutes, partly because Denver lacked alternatives in the rotation. “We always had to rely on the same players in big moments,” Kroenke added. “That adds up, and when you play two seven-game series, it wears you down.”
However, restructuring the roster comes with hurdles, as Kroenke is well aware, pointing to the new CBA and the difficulty of retaining and paying the best players. “The new rules make it harder. You can’t just sign players left and right. There are opportunities, but sometimes you need a little luck.”
As things stand, the Nuggets are just over seven million dollars below the second apron, but Denver only has 13 players, with Dario Saric and Russell Westbrook holding player options. Only DeAndre Jordan and Vlatko Cancar are free agents.