Latest news with #Jokić
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The Nuggets couldn't help craving Taco Bell in NBA Draft second round
By now, everyone knows Nikola Jokić's incredible story. These days, the Serbian center is a three-time regular-season MVP, an NBA Finals MVP, and an NBA champion. Jokić is one of the biggest faces of one of the most competitive eras in NBA history. The guy nicknamed "Joker" is the best basketball player in the world. It's fitting, then, that he plays an unconventional point center/three-level scorer style that has transformed him into one of the most unique talents ever to palm an orange ball. That style of play is specifically what makes it seem like he has the easiest time dominating whenever he's on the court. But before Jokić became the king of the hill and an all-timer, he was an overlooked second-round NBA Draft pick. Jokić was so overlooked initially, in fact, that the Denver Nuggets' selection of him during the 2014 NBA Draft famously came across the ESPN ticker during a Taco Bell commercial. It's one of those fun, quirky NBA facts that's sure to be a staple at many trivia nights across the country. As the No. 41 overall pick clock ticked on Thursday night, the Nuggets decided to make light of their selection of the greatest second-round pick in NBA history. They made a string of Taco Bell jokes, first qualifying their desires for a cheesy quesarito, then following that up with a picture of the item while standing in front of a view of the Denver skyline. When you get this lucky with a prospect who turns into a generational-defining player AND his story so happens to have a funny Taco Bell segue involved, you should feel free to get away with this kind of humor: Call it a hunch, but I'm willing to bet some diehard Nuggets fans celebrate the No. 41 overall pick every year by getting some Taco Bell. When that selection turns into someone unforgettable like Nikola Jokić, it's only fair. That's the type of niche tradition worth celebrating.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nuggets owner weirdly brought up trading Nikola Jokić unprompted
The Denver Nuggets are at a crossroads this offseason. On the one hand, the Nuggets might be a couple of competent bench players away from being bona fide NBA title contenders again. You know, a real threat to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. On the other hand, given Denver's limited assets and flexibility at the moment, getting quality rotational pieces who can contribute in the playoffs might be easier said than done. It's quite a pickle. Advertisement But if there's one thing the Nuggets can never, ever do, it's trade three-time MVP Nikola Jokić in the middle of his prime. In fact, with a looming contract decision on the horizon for the Serbian center, it should be their priority to ensure he signs said deal. After all, their entire current team-building philosophy should be centered around putting an all-time player like Jokić in a position to win as many championships as possible. Heck, the Nuggets even broaching the mere possibility that they could ever trade the likely best player they'll ever have should be a huge no-no. You win with him and only with him. Uh, about that. On Tuesday, Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke held a press conference to introduce Denver's new front office featuring dual executive vice presidents, Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. When Kroenke was asked about whether the Nuggets have any reservations about going into the NBA's dreaded second tax apron to improve the roster around Jokić, a limiting situation for all teams once it happens, he claimed they aren't scared about it. However, to explain his rationale behind not willingly entering the second apron right now, Kroenke described the Nuggets' worst-case scenario. Advertisement What would happen if someone important on Denver's roster got seriously injured? Which, you know, seems possible given the recent injury histories of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and now Aaron Gordon. In that potential reality, Kroenke (unprompted, mind you) said the Nuggets would be in such a bind that he might have to consider "trading number 15," a.k.a. Jokić. Because they'd owe it to him to put him back in a competitive environment or ... something. Huh? What? I don't think Kroenke meant to imply the Nuggets would ever genuinely contemplate trading one of the greatest basketball players ever, who still has plenty of gas left in the tank. It's highly unlikely the Nuggets would be able to recover as an organization any time soon if they pulled the trigger on such an earth-shattering move like trading the best player in the league. But still, what an extremely inelegant way to clarify why you're hesitant about entering the second apron at a press conference that was designed to make Denver fans feel better about their team's future. Advertisement This is likely just a major PR misstep on Kroenke's part, but it's the worst one you want to make in this specific context. What's clear is Kroenke and the Nuggets don't have much wiggle room to be this cautious anymore. The reason they're scared of getting backed into a corner by the second apron after a serious injury to a core player is that they have $165 million committed to just four players entering the 2025 NBA season. If the Nuggets were to cross the second apron line, they would essentially only have roughly $40 million to fill out the rest of their top-heavy roster. Until the Nuggets are willing to be more creative around possibly breaking up their core surrounding Jokić, the second apron will remain dangerous to their team-building prospects all around. That's what they've signed up for with their structure, which they can still win with, even though the margins are smaller. Trading Jokić in the event of a worst-case scenario should be the equivalent of pushing a scary big red button that says "don't push this" right above it. It would annihilate all remaining goodwill the Denver franchise has right now and set the Nuggets back for years. If the Nuggets want to continue pursuing their current plan in earnest, they'd better ensure they're doing everything possible to optimize him first and foremost. He's too special. Advertisement Jettisoning him off a sinking ship at the first sign of trouble should never even cross their mind. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Nuggets' Josh Kroenke suggested trading Nikola Jokic as second apron consequence
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nuggets owner weirdly brought up trading Nikola Jokić unprompted
The Denver Nuggets are at a crossroads this offseason. On the one hand, the Nuggets might be a couple of competent bench players away from being bona fide NBA title contenders again. You know, a real threat to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. On the other hand, given Denver's limited assets and flexibility at the moment, getting quality rotational pieces who can contribute in the playoffs might be easier said than done. It's quite a pickle. Advertisement But if there's one thing the Nuggets can never, ever do, it's trade three-time MVP Nikola Jokić in the middle of his prime. In fact, with a looming contract decision on the horizon for the Serbian center, it should be their priority to ensure he signs said deal. After all, their entire current team-building philosophy should be centered around putting an all-time player like Jokić in a position to win as many championships as possible. Heck, the Nuggets even broaching the mere possibility that they could ever trade the likely best player they'll ever have should be a huge no-no. You win with him and only with him. Uh, about that. On Tuesday, Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke held a press conference to introduce Denver's new front office featuring dual executive vice presidents, Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. When Kroenke was asked about whether the Nuggets have any reservations about going into the NBA's dreaded second tax apron to improve the roster around Jokić, a limiting situation for all teams once it happens, he claimed they aren't scared about it. However, to explain his rationale behind not willingly entering the second apron right now, Kroenke described the Nuggets' worst-case scenario. Advertisement What would happen if someone important on Denver's roster got seriously injured? Which, you know, seems possible given the recent injury histories of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and now Aaron Gordon. In that potential reality, Kroenke (unprompted, mind you) said the Nuggets would be in such a bind that he might have to consider "trading number 15," a.k.a. Jokić. Because they'd owe it to him to put him back in a competitive environment or ... something. Huh? What? I don't think Kroenke meant to imply the Nuggets would ever genuinely contemplate trading one of the greatest basketball players ever, who still has plenty of gas left in the tank. It's highly unlikely the Nuggets would be able to recover as an organization any time soon if they pulled the trigger on such an earth-shattering move like trading the best player in the league. But still, what an extremely inelegant way to clarify why you're hesitant about entering the second apron at a press conference that was designed to make Denver fans feel better about their team's future. Advertisement This is likely just a major PR misstep on Kroenke's part, but it's the worst one you want to make in this specific context. What's clear is Kroenke and the Nuggets don't have much wiggle room to be this cautious anymore. The reason they're scared of getting backed into a corner by the second apron after a serious injury to a core player is that they have $165 million committed to just four players entering the 2025 NBA season. If the Nuggets were to cross the second apron line, they would essentially only have roughly $40 million to fill out the rest of their top-heavy roster. Until the Nuggets are willing to be more creative around possibly breaking up their core surrounding Jokić, the second apron will remain dangerous to their team-building prospects all around. That's what they've signed up for with their structure, which they can still win with, even though the margins are smaller. Trading Jokić in the event of a worst-case scenario should be the equivalent of pushing a scary big red button that says "don't push this" right above it. It would annihilate all remaining goodwill the Denver franchise has right now and set the Nuggets back for years. If the Nuggets want to continue pursuing their current plan in earnest, they'd better ensure they're doing everything possible to optimize him first and foremost. He's too special. Advertisement Jettisoning him off a sinking ship at the first sign of trouble should never even cross their mind. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Nuggets' Josh Kroenke suggested trading Nikola Jokic as second apron consequence
USA Today
4 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Nuggets owner weirdly brought up trading Nikola Jokić unprompted
The Denver Nuggets are at a crossroads this offseason. On the one hand, the Nuggets might be a couple of competent bench players away from being bona fide NBA title contenders again. You know, a real threat to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. On the other hand, given Denver's limited assets and flexibility at the moment, getting quality rotational pieces who can contribute in the playoffs might be easier said than done. It's quite a pickle. But if there's one thing the Nuggets can never, ever do, it's trade three-time MVP Nikola Jokić in the middle of his prime. In fact, with a looming contract decision on the horizon for the Serbian center, it should be their priority to ensure he signs said deal. After all, their entire current team-building philosophy should be centered around putting an all-time player like Jokić in a position to win as many championships as possible. Heck, the Nuggets even broaching the mere possibility that they could ever trade the likely best player they'll ever have should be a huge no-no. You win with him and only with him. Uh, about that. On Tuesday, Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke held a press conference to introduce Denver's new front office featuring dual executive vice presidents, Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. When Kroenke was asked about whether the Nuggets have any reservations about going into the NBA's dreaded second tax apron to improve the roster around Jokić, a limiting situation for all teams once it happens, he claimed they aren't scared about it. However, to explain his rationale behind not willingly entering the second apron right now, Kroenke described the Nuggets' worst-case scenario. What would happen if someone important on Denver's roster got seriously injured? Which, you know, seems possible given the recent injury histories of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and now Aaron Gordon. In that potential reality, Kroenke (unprompted, mind you) said the Nuggets would be in such a bind that he might have to consider "trading number 15," a.k.a. Jokić. Because they'd owe it to him to put him back in a competitive environment or ... something. Huh? What? I don't think Kroenke meant to imply the Nuggets would ever genuinely contemplate trading one of the greatest basketball players ever, who still has plenty of gas left in the tank. It's highly unlikely the Nuggets would be able to recover as an organization any time soon if they pulled the trigger on such an earth-shattering move like trading the best player in the league. But still, what an extremely inelegant way to clarify why you're hesitant about entering the second apron at a press conference that was designed to make Denver fans feel better about their team's future. This is likely just a major PR misstep on Kroenke's part, but it's the worst one you want to make in this specific context. What's clear is Kroenke and the Nuggets don't have much wiggle room to be this cautious anymore. The reason they're scared of getting backed into a corner by the second apron after a serious injury to a core player is that they have $165 million committed to just four players entering the 2025 NBA season. If the Nuggets were to cross the second apron line, they would essentially only have roughly $40 million to fill out the rest of their top-heavy roster. Until the Nuggets are willing to be more creative around possibly breaking up their core surrounding Jokić, the second apron will remain dangerous to their team-building prospects all around. That's what they've signed up for with their structure, which they can still win with, even though the margins are smaller. Trading Jokić in the event of a worst-case scenario should be the equivalent of pushing a scary big red button that says "don't push this" right above it. It would annihilate all remaining goodwill the Denver franchise has right now and set the Nuggets back for years. If the Nuggets want to continue pursuing their current plan in earnest, they'd better ensure they're doing everything possible to optimize him first and foremost. He's too special. Jettisoning him off a sinking ship at the first sign of trouble should never even cross their mind.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Thunder team I played for could have been a dynasty. This one still can
I was in Oklahoma City last month as the Thunder clinched their Western Conference semi-final against the Nuggets in Game 7, and saw first-hand the Thunder run Denver off the court. The game wasn't even close. The Thunder outplayed them on both sides of the court. Defensively, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault put the 6ft 5in Alex Caruso on in the 6ft 11in Nikola Jokić and, surprisingly, it worked. With Chet Holmgren or Isaiah Hartenstein providing help-side support, I watched a frustrated Jokić struggle to get to his spots. His usual tricks – flopping, drawing fouls – didn't work. The Thunder defense moved in perfect sync, and it completely disrupted Denver's rhythm. Advertisement It was absolutely beautiful to watch. The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named league MVP shortly afterwards, beating Jokić into second, and he thoroughly deserved the award. Their superior defense was on display again in the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the Game 5 win that sealed the Thunder's progress to the NBA finals, I watched them destroy the Timberwolves and defense was once again the key. Minnesota's Anthony Edwards described the Thunder's defense as: 'One string, 15 puppets on one string.' Related: The New York Knicks' season is over, but a divisive inquest has only just begun That's what's driven their rise all year. In a league where defense is often overlooked or criticized, the Thunder have made it their identity. And now, they're just four wins away from an NBA title. Advertisement But as I have been enjoying this current Thunder team, I can't help but think back to the Thunder team I played for in 2010. The Thunder are heavily favored to beat the Indiana Pacers in the NBA finals, which start on Thursday, and they are the youngest team to ever make the finals since … the Thunder did so with a whole different cast in 2012. But I can say with 100% confidence, that if the Thunder kept that team – with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka – they would have won multiple championships. Back in 2009-2010, when I was part of the roster, the Thunder were extremely young. Scott Brooks was the coach. It was James Harden's rookie year. I remember when I first met him, he shook my hand and said: 'Nice to meet you sir. I grew up watching you play in college with Syracuse. You was blocking everything and dunking everything' That's when I realized I was now the old man in the room. But it also hit me – Harden was in the same position I'd once been in when I joined the Washington Wizards as a rookie, meeting guys like Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and Christian Laettner. Advertisement Throughout that season, myself, Kevin Ollie and Nick Collison, who were some of the elder statesmen on the team, would sit and watch the younger guys, shaking our heads and saying, 'These young cats have no idea how good they are going to be'. It all started with KD. He was the youngest player to ever lead the league in scoring at the time. And his work ethic was something I had never seen before. I remember after one practice, KD was doing this drill he liked – playing one-on-one against an invisible defender. But he went at it with the intensity of someone competing in the NBA finals. Every move was as sharp and deliberate as possible. Everything was at game speed. Advertisement After practice, we all went in – showered, ate, got treatment, talked. Some of the coaches watched film with players. Then we came back out to the court, and KD was still out there, going full speed with his one-on-one moves. Dripping with sweat. He'd been at it for nearly two hours. I had never seen that kind of focus before. But when the team's star is working that hard, everyone else falls in line-and that's exactly what happened. The whole team rose to his level. Even after someone had a big game, they were back in the gym the next day, working like they'd just lost. They were running defensive slides and drills in the middle of the season, when most teams were cutting practice time. Harden fell right in line and worked hard every day. Even when he made rookie mistakes, he picked up the work ethic quickly. It was clear – if KD didn't have a problem being criticized, Harden couldn't either. I watched Harden study KD closely – how hard he worked on his shot, his offensive moves, his cuts to the basket, how he moved without the ball. Even after dropping 40 the night before, KD went right back to work. And Harden noticed. Advertisement Then there was Russell Westbrook – fearless, relentless. He trained harder than anyone and played like a Tasmanian devil, all intensity and energy. He'd pick up full court, never taking a play off. I remember Coach Brooks telling the staff, 'If we don't get this guy to slow down, he's going to wear himself out.' But he never did. He just kept going – full speed, all the time. Westbrook was being mentored by Maurice Cheeks, who really took him under his wing, guiding and encouraging him. I remember hearing them talk on the plane after games – you could feel the intensity and passion in Russ's voice. That hunger was real, and it was going to take him far. And it did. Then there was Jeff Green – one of the most underappreciated players on that Thunder team, in my opinion. He was an integral part of their success. He never complained about shots, touches, or a lack of recognition. He just showed up and did his job. Too quick for most power forwards, too strong for most small forwards, and incredibly efficient. He didn't back down from anyone. And his ability to guard positions 2 through 5 made him invaluable. Ibaka was young, athletic, and raw – but he was soaking everything in. He watched KD's work ethic, Westbrook's intensity, Green's professionalism, Harden's shooting (he even did all the shooting drills Harden did on his own time), and Thabo Sefolosha's defensive awareness. Thabo, by the way, was also a key part of that team. Advertisement Let me be clear: I'm not placing blame on the organization or any player for why this group didn't stay together and become a dynasty. But the talent was there. And they were only going to get better. This will go down as one of the biggest what-ifs in NBA history – not if they would've won a title together, but how many they could have won if they'd stayed together. This current OKC team has similar levels of talent. But this time, there's a real chance to finish what they started. And with the NBA finals starting Thursday, they have the chance to begin a championship run – one that could last for years.
