As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Denver Nuggets have meticulously re-engineered their roster and coaching staff. The question isn`t just about winning, but about finding the optimal configuration to complement their singular superstar, Nikola Jokić, and navigate the treacherous waters of the Western Conference.
A Familiar Face in a New Role: The Adelman Era Begins
The dawn of a new season brings a subtle yet significant shift to the Nuggets` sidelines. David Adelman, a long-standing assistant, steps into the head coach role for the 2025-26 campaign. While his promotion signals continuity—this is his ninth year with the team—it also represents a fresh voice at the helm, a chance to refine strategies and inject new tactical approaches. His tactical acumen, particularly the zone defense employed during last season`s playoffs, hints at a willingness to adapt and innovate, a critical asset in the ever-evolving NBA.
Lessons from the Crucible: The OKC Series Echoes
Last season`s playoff exit against the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, was a harsh but invaluable teacher. Denver’s squad, despite its undeniable talent, faced critical vulnerabilities. The non-Jokić minutes, a perennial concern, often saw leads evaporate as the team struggled to maintain offensive flow and defensive solidity. The loss of a critical defender like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a ripple effect, exacerbated by Nikola Jokić`s candid assessment that they were “not a good shooting team.”
Compounding these issues were internal frictions and a last-minute scramble to secure a playoff spot. Yet, amidst the turmoil, moments of brilliance shone through. Aaron Gordon`s heroic, clutch performances, often while battling injuries, underscored the grit of the team`s core. The series, which stretched to a grueling Game 7, highlighted a fundamental truth: even with a generational talent like Jokić, the margins in the Western Conference are razor-thin, and depth, consistency, and health are paramount.
The Offseason Orchestra: New Instruments for a Familiar Melody
The front office, now spearheaded by the seasoned Ben Tenzer, wasted no time addressing these shortcomings, orchestrating a series of strategic moves designed to enhance both the starting five and the crucial second unit. The philosophy is clear: ease the burden on the starters, particularly Jokić, and ensure peak performance when it matters most – the playoffs.
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A New Wingman: Cam Johnson for Michael Porter Jr.
In a move that reverberated through the league, the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson (via a complex deal involving Brooklyn and a future pick). Johnson, celebrated for his well-rounded offensive game, superior screen-setting, and fewer defensive lapses, is envisioned as a seamless fit alongside Jokić. His ability to act as an offensive “connector,” maintaining advantages and making sound passing reads, promises to elevate the team`s fluidity. This wasn`t merely a financial maneuver; it was a clear strategic upgrade for a team seeking efficiency and defensive reliability. -
The Return of a Prodigal Son: Bruce Brown is Back
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant move was the return of Bruce Brown on a minimum contract. Brown`s instrumental role in the Nuggets` 2023 championship run, particularly his clutch play and defensive versatility, made his initial departure painful. His reintegration is expected to instantly bolster the team`s defensive intensity and provide a familiar, reliable presence in high-pressure situations. -
Shots and Size from the Bench: Hardaway Jr. and Valančiūnas
Adding Tim Hardaway Jr. (another minimum signing) injects much-needed perimeter shooting into the second unit, addressing the “not a good shooting team” critique. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Jonas Valančiūnas, an accomplished veteran big man, finally provides the Nuggets with a formidable presence at backup center. No longer will the non-Jokić minutes feel like a defensive sieve; Valančiūnas offers interior scoring, rebounding, and a sturdy defensive anchor. The “Joker of the second unit” jokes, once aimed at less impactful players, now feel appropriately applied to a legitimate force.
The Delicate Balance: High Expectations, Thin Margins
With these reinforcements, the Vegas over/under for the Nuggets stands at a respectable 53.5 wins, signaling confidence in their restructured roster. The belief within the organization is palpable: this team, with its enhanced depth and refined roles, is built to challenge for another title. The expectation is for Jamal Murray to hit the ground running, consistently delivering All-Star caliber performances from day one, and for the young core, including Christian Braun, to continue their upward trajectory.
However, the NBA`s Western Conference remains a gauntlet. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, with their own promising internal development, lurk as formidable rivals. The question of whether the Nuggets can truly “survive” the non-Jokić minutes or maintain defensive integrity against elite offenses still weighs on some observers. As one skeptic might muse, “Brown and Hardaway are minimum guys for a reason.”
The strategic shifts are undeniable: a new lead executive, a new coach, a new starting small forward, and a significantly revamped bench. These are not minor tweaks but a comprehensive recalibration. Cam Johnson`s playmaking, Bruce Brown`s familiarity, Valančiūnas`s post presence, and Hardaway`s shooting collectively promise a more resilient and versatile Nuggets squad. Yet, as last season painfully illustrated, injuries can derail even the best-laid plans. While better equipped, the Nuggets still possess a limited margin for error, particularly with their star players.
Conclusion: A Symphony in Progress
The Denver Nuggets enter the 2025-26 season with a roster meticulously designed to maximize the transcendent talents of Nikola Jokić. The front office has listened to the lessons of the past, investing in depth, versatility, and strategic fits. The “best team” around Jokić is a high bar, one that includes a championship squad. This iteration, however, appears to be the most thoughtfully constructed in pursuit of sustained excellence and another coveted Larry O`Brien trophy. Only time, and the rigors of an NBA season, will tell if this carefully composed symphony achieves its harmonious, championship-winning crescendo.
Jasper Hawthorne