Nikola Jokic Wants To ‘Be a Nugget Forever,’ But Should He Be?
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, despite winning the 2023 NBA championship and Jokic securing three MVP awards, were eliminated in the first round of the 2024 playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, raising doubts about their ability to build a dynasty. Jokic expressed his desire to remain with the Nuggets for his entire career but acknowledged the team is 'far away' from another title after the loss. The NBA has seen a trend of one-and-done champions in recent years, fueled by restrictive financial rules and roster challenges, putting added pressure on Jokic to secure more titles to cement his all-time legacy.
- ▪The Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA championship but were eliminated in the first round of the 2024 playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- ▪Nikola Jokic has won three MVP awards and wants to 'be a Nugget forever' but admitted the team is 'far away' from contending for another title.
- ▪Since the 2020s, no NBA champion has reached a second consecutive Finals, a trend influenced by the league's second apron rules limiting roster flexibility.
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By Megan ArmstrongShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.So far in the 2020s, the NBA has followed a particular cycle. The defending champion will look utterly unstoppable in the regular season, setting fire to the narrative that they will be the league's next dynasty. Then, that team will lose before even reaching a second straight NBA Finals and fall back into the fray with all the other mere contenders.The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently trying to snap it to become the NBA's first back-to-back champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2018, and they very well might.
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