Nuggets Superstar Jokić Sounds Doubtful About Team's Struggles

Three-time MVP expresses uncertainty about Denver's ability to turn around its disappointing season.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:39pm

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The Denver Nuggets, once a title contender, have fallen on hard times this season, going just 5-8 since the return of star center Nikola Jokić from injury. The team has suffered a string of discouraging losses to top opponents, and its once-impenetrable home-court advantage has evaporated. When asked about the team's struggles, Jokić sounded uncharacteristically doubtful, saying he could only "hopefully" see the Nuggets turning things around.

Why it matters

Jokić's comments are concerning, as the three-time MVP is typically known for his even-keeled approach and reluctance to make bold statements. His lack of confidence in the team's ability to dig itself out of this hole raises serious questions about the Nuggets' chances of achieving their goal of winning a second title in four seasons.

The details

The Nuggets have gone just 5-8 since Jokić returned from a bone bruise injury in late January, suffering losses to contenders like the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Denver has also struggled at home, going just 16-12 at the Pepsi Center, a far cry from their 26-15 home record last season and 67-15 combined home record in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

  • Jokić returned to the Nuggets' lineup in late January.
  • The Nuggets have gone 5-8 since Jokić's return.

The players

Nikola Jokić

The three-time NBA MVP and face of the Denver Nuggets franchise.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' first-time All-Star guard who has been trying to keep the team afloat during Jokić's absence.

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What they’re saying

“Hopefully? What does Jokić mean by hopefully? That almost sounds like a guy who is slowly realizing his Nuggets are fighting uphill in a war of attrition as a once-promising season goes down the drain because everyone on the roster had to play above their means and overcompensate for long-term injuries to Jokić, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Peyton Watson, and Jonas Valančiūnas.”

— Robert Zeglinski, Author

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to turn things around as they continue their push for a playoff spot, with key games against other contenders like the Pistons, Knicks, and Thunder on the horizon.

The takeaway

Jokić's uncharacteristic lack of confidence in the Nuggets' ability to overcome their struggles is a major cause for concern, as the team's superstar player appears to be losing faith in the team's chances of achieving their championship aspirations this season.