Nikola Jokic’s Burden May Finally Be Eased as Nuggets Reload for a Title Push

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As the Denver Nuggets prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season, they do so with optimism—hopeful that their all-world center, now entering his Age-30 season, can finally take a step back from carrying the franchise night in and night out. Jokic, who once again posted MVP-level statistics last season, averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.8 assists across 70 games, logging nearly 2,600 minutes. Despite not winning the MVP award, Jokic is still widely considered the best player in basketball, and with good reason. His statistical dominance, positional versatility, and ability to control the tempo of a game remain unmatched. But it’s the physical and mental toll of that dominance that looms largest heading into this season.

In the past two postseasons, Jokic has shown signs of fatigue in high-leverage playoff situations. While not unexpected, given his enormous usage rate and responsibility on both ends, it raises long-term questions about sustainability. As Blackburn (2025) notes, “He has simply gassed out at times, which shouldn’t surprise anyone given his individual expectations.” For the Nuggets to make another deep playoff run, reducing Jokic’s regular season workload has to be a top priority.

That’s why Denver’s offseason moves feel like more than roster tweaks—they're structural reinforcements. The acquisition of reliable veterans like Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., alongside promising young talent in Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, and DaRon Holmes II, suggests the front office is finally committed to easing Jokic’s load. But perhaps the most significant move was the addition of veteran center Jonas Valanciunas.

The backup center role has long been a sore spot for Denver. Non-Jokic minutes have often spelled disaster, with the team struggling to maintain leads or find offensive rhythm. With Valanciunas now in the mix, the Nuggets have a stabilizing force who can give Jokic real rest, something that’s been elusive in recent years. Statistically, Jokic’s standing in NBA history after ten seasons is staggering. His 16,210 points rank 43rd all-time through a player’s first ten years, his 8,141 rebounds place him 33rd, and his 5,383 assists are 22nd. More advanced metrics are even more flattering: he ranks second all-time in Box Plus-Minus (+10.3), third in Value Over Replacement Player (73.0), and twelfth in Win Shares (128.0). These aren’t just All-Star numbers—they’re legacy numbers.

Still, as Blackburn argues, it’s no longer about the MVP race or gaudy stats. “Now, it’s time for Jokic (and others around him) to let go of the MVPs. The best thing for the Nuggets and for the longevity of Jokic’s career is for him to take a step back.” A season of modest dominance—say, 26-12-9 on fewer minutes—could be more valuable than another triple-double campaign if it means Jokic is fresh when it matters. The Western Conference remains a gauntlet. The Oklahoma City Thunder loom as a potential playoff nemesis, and a rested Jokic may be the only answer to their rising star power and athleticism. The Nuggets, for once, appear built for the long haul instead of just the nightly grind. If the support system holds and Jokic conserves just enough fuel, Denver could very well be on its way to a second championship.