Nuggets Eye Offseason Changes After Playoff Disappointment, But Jokić Remains Untouchable
The Denver Nuggets entered the season with high hopes, believing they were contenders for the championship. However, following a disappointing playoff exit, team president Josh Kroenke addressed the future of the franchise at a press conference on Friday. Despite finishing the regular season with a strong 54-28 record and securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the Nuggets faced significant injury issues. Key players like Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson were sidelined for crucial games, which culminated in a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. Kroenke acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "I think everything's on the table, outside of trading Nikola." This leaves the futures of players like Jamal Murray and Gordon uncertain, as the team considers potential roster changes. Peyton Watson emerged as a standout this season, but his status as a restricted free agent complicates the Nuggets' financial strategy. The team may face a luxury tax dilemma if they aim to retain him, with Kroenke not committing to a specific payroll strategy for next season. Head coach David Adelman highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ball-handling and one-on-one defense. He noted the Nuggets' struggles against pressure in their playoff series and emphasized the need for players to enhance their skills in these areas. Overall, the Nuggets expressed disappointment over the season's outcome and are determined to return stronger, whether through internal development or strategic roster adjustments. The focus remains on competing for championships, as they aim to build on the positives from the past season.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-08