Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets have firmly established themselves as one of the NBA’s best teams in recent years. When questioned about his team, the two-time MVP gave an intriguing picture of the club.
Despite winning their first title in franchise history and having a superstar center on the roster, the Nuggets continue to receive little attention. They receive credit when it is due, but they do not receive the same level of media coverage as a larger market team such as the Los Angeles Lakers.
During All-Star weekend, Nikola Jokic was asked about his Nuggets squad and their rise to prominence in the league. He went on to describe them as “quiet giants.”
“I think we are, I’m gonna say quiet giants, if that makes any sense,” Jokic was quoted as saying. “Even with the Denver Nuggets, we don’t generate noise; we’re more like a wave. I’ll say “quiet giants.”
Nikola Jokic provides an excellent description about Denver Nuggets
It isn’t something you hear every day, but Nikola Jokic delivered an accurate description of himself and the Denver Nuggets. They made little commotion during their climb until establishing themselves as a permanent competitor.
Playing in a smaller market helped the Nuggets become “quiet giants,” and they’ve maintained that status even after their finals victory. Denver is now in fourth place in the Western Conference, but it receives far less attention than the teams ahead of it. In terms of media coverage, the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves have received far more than the defending champions.
In addition to being a top-four Western Conference club, Nikola Jokic is having a historic season. With Joel Embiid out, the Nuggets star is in excellent position to earn his third MVP title. This season, Jokic has averaged 26.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists. If he achieves a triple-double, he will become the first center in history to average one over a full season.
The Nuggets’ quiet behemoth status stems in large part from how they are formed. Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. are all homegrown players. The trade for Aaron Gordon has been Denver’s most significant move in recent years. As a result, they were able to mature gradually without focusing too much on themselves.
While they may not receive enough attention, there is no disputing that the Nuggets are an excellent team. After winning the championship last year, they’ll undoubtedly be in the mix again this season.