Denver at a Crossroads: Jokić, Murray and Gordon Lead a Contender Searching for Depth, Defense and a Return to Playoff Form
Nuggets Enter 2026‑27 With Familiar Star Power but Urgent Questions After Three Straight Early Exits
The Denver Nuggets open the 2026‑27 season with the same elite core that has defined their identity for nearly a decade — Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon — but with a very different set of pressures. After three consecutive early playoff exits, including last season’s first‑round loss despite a 54‑win campaign, Denver faces a clear mandate: reinforce its depth, repair its defense and reclaim its place among the Western Conference elite.
Offseason Recap
- 2025‑26 Record: 54–28 (3rd in West, lost in First Round)
- Key Additions: Marvin Bagley III, Trevon Brazile, DeMar DeRozan, Alpha Diallo, Bryce Hopkins
- Organizational Direction: Add size, defensive versatility and veteran scoring; rebuild bench depth after key departures
Denver’s offseason was defined by turnover. Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown — three rotation pieces — departed, while the Nuggets added DeMar DeRozan, EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year Alpha Diallo, and young frontcourt depth in Bagley, Brazile and Hopkins.
The core remains intact. The supporting cast is a work in progress.
Season Outlook: Elite at the Top, Uncertain Beneath It
Denver still boasts arguably the best player in the world in Nikola Jokić, whose blend of passing, scoring efficiency and durability continues to anchor one of the NBA’s most potent offenses. Jamal Murray is coming off a career season and appears poised to finally earn his first All‑Star selection. Aaron Gordon, limited to 36 games last year, is expected to return fully healthy — a critical factor for Denver’s defensive stability and lineup versatility.
Head coach David Adelman’s preferred starting lineup played only 23 games together last season but went 18–5. The challenge is keeping that group healthy and building a bench capable of supporting them.
DeRozan’s arrival adds scoring and veteran leadership, but at 37, his role must be carefully calibrated. Denver’s defense — ranked 21st in each of the last two seasons — remains the biggest obstacle between the Nuggets and a deep playoff run.
Breakout Candidate: Alpha Diallo
Diallo arrives as one of the most intriguing additions of the offseason. At 27, he is technically an NBA rookie, but he brings a decorated European résumé, including EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Denver needs him.
With Watson gone, the Nuggets lack a true defensive wing capable of guarding elite scorers. Diallo’s length, athleticism and defensive instincts give him a chance to fill that void immediately. His offense is still developing, but Denver doesn’t need him to score — they need him to defend shooting guards and small forwards so Jokić, Murray and Gordon can focus on generating points.
If Diallo proves he can handle 20–25 minutes per game of high‑level defense, he becomes one of the Nuggets’ most valuable role players.
Number to Know: 10
Denver has ranked top‑seven in offensive efficiency for 10 straight seasons, and last year was its best offensive season of the entire decade-long run — 6.4 points per 100 possessions above league average.
As long as Jokić is in Denver, the Nuggets will have an elite offense. His career true shooting percentage of 64.1% is the highest in NBA history among players averaging at least 18 points per game. Murray’s growth matters too: he set career highs last season with 25.4 points per game and 62.2% true shooting.
But offense alone won’t solve Denver’s problems. Depth and defense remain the defining questions of the season.
Five Must‑See Matchups
Dec. 2 — Nuggets vs. Sixers
Joel Embiid vs. Nikola Jokić is always must‑watch basketball, and Philadelphia’s new “super team” adds intrigue.
Dec. 15 — Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers
Denver finishes a brutal stretch of 14 road games in its first 22 contests. This matchup closes the gauntlet.
Jan. 30 — Nuggets vs. Thunder
A marquee Western Conference showdown, followed by a rematch three nights later in Denver.
March 3 — Spurs vs. Nuggets
The first of two pivotal late-season games that could shape playoff seeding. San Antonio and Minnesota loom large.
March 18 — Cavaliers vs. Nuggets
Peyton Watson returns to Ball Arena after being traded this summer. Fans will have feelings — one way or the other.
Preseason Storylines
1. DeMar DeRozan’s Role
DeRozan remains a gifted scorer and respected veteran, but at 37, his fit is delicate. Sixth man? Secondary creator? Denver must find the right balance early.
2. Defensive Overhaul Under Dave Joerger
Joerger joins Adelman’s staff with a mandate to fix Denver’s defense. Expect schematic tweaks, new rotations and heavy emphasis on wing containment.
3. Diallo’s Integration
Diallo’s defensive impact could reshape Denver’s rotation. Preseason will reveal how quickly he adapts to NBA pace and spacing.
4. Frontcourt Depth Evaluation
Bagley, Brazile and Hopkins give Denver more size and athleticism than it has had in years. Sorting out the rotation behind Gordon and Jokić will be a preseason priority.
5. Cam Whitmore’s Return
Whitmore, a former first-round pick, signed a two-way deal after a season limited by a blood‑clot condition. His athleticism and scoring could earn him a role if he’s fully healthy.
A Contender With Questions — and a Narrow Window
Denver’s formula remains unchanged: Jokić’s brilliance, Murray’s shotmaking, Gordon’s versatility and an elite offense. But the margin for error has shrunk. The Nuggets must defend better, stay healthier and find reliable bench production to avoid another early exit.
The pieces are there. The urgency is real. And the path back to contention begins now.
