News Nuggets Team Notes

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Expected To Make Big Move For Veteran Big Man

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

It looked like Jonas Valanciunas was going to head to the Denver Nuggets next season, providing them with much-needed help in the center position.

But it now sounds like Valanciunas has decided to leave the NBA to play overseas, leaving a huge hole in Denver’s plan.

They are quickly pivoting and eyeing another big man to help them.

According to Evan Sidery, the Nuggets are “widely expected” to pursue Al Horford in free agency.

“The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role,” Sidery wrote.

With the Nuggets now once again without a backup center, they are widely expected to pivot to pursuing Al Horford in free agency.

The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role. pic.twitter.com/m6KQmMmA9N

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 4, 2025

For most of the week, it sounded like the Golden State Warriors had the best shot of getting Horford, who has spent his last several years with the Boston Celtics.

But this loss of Valanciunas has changed everything, and now the Nuggets are in hot pursuit of him.

He would be a huge pickup for Denver.

Horford, who has been in the league for 18 seasons, averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season.

Although he is 39 years old, he was still playing impressive and important basketball for the Celtics and was one of the reasons they won a championship in 2024.

The Warriors and Lakers were taking a serious look at acquiring him, but they now have real competition.

What can the Nuggets offer, beyond just a regular place in the rotation?

On top of that, how long will they have him for, and is retirement right around the corner?

If plans for Horford fall through, do the Nuggets have another backup plan in mind, or is this their last hope to get a backup big man?

The post Nuggets Expected To Make Big Move For Veteran Big Man appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-expected-to-make-big-move-for-veteran-big-man/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets

(Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

It’s official: Jonas Valanciunas is coming to the Denver Nuggets.

After weeks of twists and turns, Valanciunas’ deal with the Nuggets is finished, and now he has decided on his jersey number.

According to Etienne Catalan on X, Valanciunas will wear No. 17 for the Nuggets.

That number has been dormant for years and was last worn by Johnny Taylor all the way back in 1999.

Throughout his career, Valanciunas has worn 17, and he is happy to bring that tradition to Denver.

Jonas Valančiūnas (@JValanciunas) will wear No. 17 for the #Nuggets. Number last worn by Johnny Taylor in 1999. #NBA pic.twitter.com/jIULcRmBEp

— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 14, 2025

Valanciunas’ move to the Nuggets was first reported at the start of the month, but then it hit a huge speed bump: Greece’s Panathinaikos.

He was lured to play overseas and, according to most reports, he seriously considered it.

In the end, Panathinaikos didn’t offer him enough to change his trajectory, and now Valanciunas is on his way to Denver.

He split his time between the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Valanciunas adjusted to being a bench player in 2024-25, and that may be the case in the next season too.

He could provide helpful support behind Nikola Jokic in the center position.

After years of Jokic needing assistance, Valanciunas might be exactly what the Nuggets need.

Denver was surely sweating this situation for a while, afraid that they could lose Valanciunas to the Greek league.

Now they can start making plans with him, and they are hopeful.

The Nuggets have made several impressive changes so far, and they think they are enough to help them become one of the best teams in the West again.

Valanciunas provides a lot of strength and power, and might be their smartest acquisition.

The post Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jonas-valanciunas-has-decided-on-his-jersey-number-with-nuggets/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Stephen A. Smith Says Nuggets Are Compromising 1 Player’s Success

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Just a few seasons ago, the Denver Nuggets were the most dominant team in the NBA.

Now they are still a threat in the Western Conference, but not at the level they once were.

Appearing on “Gil’s Arena,” Stephen A. Smith said the team is compromising Jokic’s success because they aren’t willing to spend the money to keep a strong team around him.

“I don’t think Jokic [feels the pressure of winning another championship] because we’ve seen Jokic be phenomenal, winning league MVPs. What you let go of Bruce Brown for? What you let go of Jeff Green for? Money, so you compromise Jokic’s success, because he still went out on the court and delivered. You see him walking around—I say it affectionately—looking like a big tub of lard, can’t jump onto a curb, and you can’t stop him. It’s unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s unstoppable. You don’t point the finger at him,” Smith said.

The Nuggets are compromising Jokic’s success according to Stephen A.

pic.twitter.com/Lo5uPj4UPc

— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) August 18, 2025

The Nuggets have heard their fair share of complaints over the last several years because of roster choices.

Some fans claim the team isn’t doing enough to give Jokic the right sort of backup he needs.

It’s not about the most notable names, such as Aaron Gordon or Jamal Murray.

Instead, people say Denver needs more supporting role players, athletes who can come off the bench and chip in for five to ten minutes at a time.

They definitely tried this offseason, and the inclusion of Jonas Valanciunas has a lot of fans excited.

They think that with a capable and proven backup big man behind Jokic, the Nuggets can finally climb to the top of the West again.

Jokic hasn’t slowed down, even with his team’s troubles.

Last season, he averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists on 57.6 percent from the field.

He isn’t slowing down, but Jokic needs his front office to back him up even more.

The post Stephen A. Smith Says Nuggets Are Compromising 1 Player’s Success appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-a-smith-says-nuggets-are-compromising-1-players-success/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Michael Porter Jr. Turns Heads With Nikola Jokic Statement

(Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is a seven-time All-Star, NBA champion, and three-time MVP.

Some people believe he’s one of the greatest players of all time, including his former teammate, Michael Porter Jr.

Porter recently stated his opinion about Jokic’s greatness and talked about why he sees him as the GOAT.

“The reason I say that is because he could have won MVP five years in a row. Can you name another player who could’ve won MVP five years?” Porter asked.

Michael Porter Jr. says Nikola Jokić is the greatest player of all time

“The reason I say that is because he could have won MVP five years in a row. Can you name another player who could’ve won MVP five years?” pic.twitter.com/Crxlj5a8AW

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 31, 2025

It’s hard to believe, but it seems that Jokic is actually getting better with age.

Last season, he averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists.

Those numbers were actually up from the previous year, when he claimed his third MVP trophy.

And even though he wasn’t named Most Valuable Player again, he came close and was in second place behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

For the last five seasons, Jokic has either won MVP or been named runner-up.

That is a massive accomplishment, and Porter is right to be amazed by it.

All NBA fans are waiting for the new season, eager to see what Jokic can do again.

He will have more support behind him, but it came at the expense of Porter.

Porter was recently sent to the Brooklyn Nets, which means he will no longer play with the man he views as the greatest of all time.

But the move of Porter was one of a few that could help the Nuggets compete better in 2025-26.

That means Jokic will have a better shot at success and, therefore, a better shot at being named MVP for a fourth time.

The post Michael Porter Jr. Turns Heads With Nikola Jokic Statement appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/michael-porter-jr-turns-heads-with-nikola-jokic-statement/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Rudy Gobert Has High Praise For Nikola Jokic

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Everyone knows that Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is one of the greatest basketball players alive.

No one knows that better than his opponents, including Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Gobert recently talked about playing against Jokic, and said that he’s “grateful” to take on the Nuggets superstar.

“When I wake up and I get to play Jokic, I am always grateful that I get to try to stop one of the best players in the world,” Gobert said.

Rudy Gobert praises Nikola Jokic:

“When I wake up and I get to play Jokic, I am always grateful that I get to try to stop one of the best players in the world.”

(via @OldManAndThree) pic.twitter.com/2kjPlzY1lH

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 13, 2025

Like he said, Gobert tries to slow Jokic down, but he doesn’t always get the chance.

That’s because Jokic is such an unstoppable force on the court, and he has so many ways to score.

Of course, he’s able to push his way past just about anyone and score for himself, but one of the most amazing things about Jokic is his ability to pass.

It’s almost like he has eyes in the back of his head and is able to find his teammates no matter where they are on the court.

Gobert might like to play against Jokic, but he will admit that he’s a huge nightmare most of the time.

Jokic has obviously been one of the most successful players of this generation, but his team could get even better in the new season.

They have made some important and strategic offseason changes that could bolster the roster, give Jokic more support, and provide them another chance to win a title.

Gobert will still love playing against Jokic, but it could get even harder in the new year.

The post Rudy Gobert Has High Praise For Nikola Jokic appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/rudy-gobert-has-high-praise-for-nikola-jokic/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Shaquille O’Neal Gets Honest About Matching Up Against Nikola Jokic

(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Shaquille O’Neal will never get a chance to play against Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

However, if that were somehow possible, O’Neal believes he would score a ton of the superstar.

Speaking to Tommy Talks, O’Neal made a bold statement: he thinks he would put up at least 40 points against Jokic in the playoffs.

“Playoffs probably be 40, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks. He’s a different player. I probably wouldn’t have stopped him either, because [the Denver Nuggets] definitely would have run pick and roll. I would have to go off of him, and then we would get back, he would have shot a lot of jumpers. He would probably average 27, 30, because he’s a great shooter. If he was a post player and I would have had to focus just on him, then, he wouldn’t get that much. But him guarding me? I am averaging 40,” O’Neal said.

That comment will surely get Nuggets fans talking because they believe O’Neal wouldn’t have that sort of luck against Jokic and his team.

There is no doubt that Jokic is hard to get past, but some people have critiqued his defensive game.

He is an absolute menace when it comes to offense and has a plethora of ways to score and find his teammates, but he sometimes isn’t as strong as fans want with defense.

O’Neal believes he could take advantage of that.

Like many others, O’Neal is a major fan of Jokic and all he has done for the Nuggets.

He knows that this is a massively talented superstar who can outplay just about anyone.

But O’Neal thinks that he’d be able to post a lot over Jokic despite all that skill.

The post Shaquille O’Neal Gets Honest About Matching Up Against Nikola Jokic appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shaquille-oneal-gets-honest-about-matching-up-against-nikola-jokic/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Aaron Gordon Gets Honest About Playing With Nikola Jokic

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Millions of NBA fans have a high opinion of Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

Aaron Gordon doesn’t just play with Jokic, but he also loves watching him perform on the court.

Speaking to ESPN, Gordon opened up about Jokic’s talents and how lucky he feels to work alongside him.

“He’s amazing…to get to play around one of the best players, if not the best player of all-time. It’s the gravity that Joker has. I think we have a great understanding of each other on and off the basketball floor. You guys are gonna see that flourish,” Gordon said.

Aaron Gordon on Nikola Jokic:

"He's amazing…to get to play around one of the best players, if not the best player of all-time" pic.twitter.com/maoIarQo5r

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 16, 2025

Gordon feels that Jokic might be one of the best players of all time, and he isn’t alone.

Again and again, the Nuggets superstar reminds people all over the world why he has won multiple MVP awards and might take home a few more.

The man plays with great power, strategy, and ease.

Gordon has become a huge part of the team’s success over the last few years and has shown his growing powers on the court.

Plus, his partnership with Jokic has gotten stronger, and the two are able to read each other incredibly well on the court.

Gordon says it’s because they understand each other, but there aren’t many Nuggets players whom Jokic doesn’t understand.

His ability to find teammates on the court is one of his most powerful and impressive skills.

The team has made some aggressive moves this summer, hoping to look much better in the new season.

That means Jokic, Gordon, and the Nuggets might be on their way to winning another title.

Even if they don’t, Gordon will still cherish every second with Jokic because he is in awe of him.

The post Aaron Gordon Gets Honest About Playing With Nikola Jokic appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/aaron-gordon-gets-honest-about-playing-with-nikola-jokic/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Reveals Thoughts About 2014 Draft Snub

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

These days, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is one of the most accomplished and beloved stars in the NBA.

But there was a time when he was a complete unknown and almost totally ignored at the NBA draft.

He was chosen as the 41st overall pick in the 2014 draft, and there was such little interest in him that his name was announced during a commercial break.

Speaking to ESPN, Jokic talked about how the league didn’t know who he was and didn’t care.

“They didn’t believe in the fat boy,” Jokic said.

Nikola Jokic on being drafted during a Taco Bell commercial:

“They didn’t believe in the fat boy.”

(via @ESPNNBA)

pic.twitter.com/p8Q0JJ9NCt

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 24, 2025

They might not have believed in him then, but they definitely do now.

Jokic was an unknown commodity at the time, and a lot of people didn’t understand how someone like him could become an All-Star and champion.

10 years later, he has proven everyone wrong.

Jokic has a career average of 21.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, and seems to keep getting better.

For example, he averaged a career-high 29.6 points and 10.2 rebounds last season.

After three MVPs, a championship, and seven All-Star selections, Jokic has reminded everyone that they shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

There may have been little interest in him when he was drafted, but Jokic quickly got to work and started to make an impact with the Nuggets.

Now, he is viewed as one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

It’s wild to think that Jokic was once seen as an underdog and unpromising draft prospect.

Times have changed in a huge way, and he has earned every accolade and all the attention.

The post Nikola Jokic Reveals Thoughts About 2014 Draft Snub appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-reveals-thoughts-about-2014-draft-snub/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Gets Honest About His Love For Basketball

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Over the years, a lot of people have talked about Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and his lack of enthusiasm about playing basketball.

It’s not that he doesn’t like the sport; it’s just that he never seems too excited about it.

He recently touched upon his opinion about playing in the NBA, and summed it up well.

“I love ice cream, but after 10 days of ice cream, you get bored of it,” Jokic said.

Nikola Jokic says basketball isn’t the only thing in his life, despite his love for it: “I love ice cream, but after 10 days of ice cream, you get bored of it.”

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 28, 2025

That’s a fairly clever comparison that most people can relate to.

Ice cream is good, but too much of it will cause a stomachache, and you will get tired very fast.

Last season, he produced 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists on 57.6 percent from the field.

It was yet another stunning year for the Serbian superstar, and he made it look easy.

In fact, he always makes it look easy, and that is one of the most amazing things about him.

The Nuggets faced some difficulties last year and there were some major changes that affected the team.

During the summer, they worked hard to improve their roster and place a better squad around Jokic.

That means he will get more support in the new year, which could give him a better outlook.

However, he has shown that even when he is tired of basketball and just wants to go home, he still plays his heart out.

His demeanor and opinion about professional sports are some of the many things that set him apart from everyone else in the NBA.

The post Nikola Jokic Gets Honest About His Love For Basketball appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-gets-honest-about-his-love-for-basketball/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Key Nuggets Player Reveals Honest Thoughts About Second Unit

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets are trying to build something special, and their players already have high hopes for 2025-26.

Following the first day of training camp, Bruce Brown spoke about Denver’s second unit and how well it was working.

“We were rolling,” Bruce Brown said. “We were playing through Val like the first unit plays through Jok.”

"We were rolling," Bruce Brown said. "We were playing through Val like the first unit plays through Jok.”

It's early, very early.

But there's optimism that this Nuggets bench could be 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑳𝑳𝒀 good

@BrendanVogt has more from San Diego

𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫: https://t.co/ZdYTDcocf3 pic.twitter.com/ahoDzmyjd5

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) October 1, 2025

After some time away from the team, Brown is back and eager to see what this new-look Nuggets can accomplish.

He wants fans to believe in the bench stars just like he does.

They may not have Nikola Jokic in the second unit, but Brown said everyone is working well with backup big man Jonas Valanciunas.

This is great news for Nuggets fans because the team has typically been a bit of a mess without Jokic.

If Brown and the rest of the bench talent can still perform well during non-Jokic minutes, the Nuggets could be a real threat.

After getting his start with the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets, Brown was part of the Nuggets team when they won their championship in 2023.

But after that, he bounced around the league to the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Pelicans.

Now, Brown is making his triumphant return to Denver and is expecting big things for his team.

He is willing to do anything for the Nuggets, including leading the second unit.

This team will only succeed if they can compete for all 48 minutes, and Brown will help make that happen.

The post Key Nuggets Player Reveals Honest Thoughts About Second Unit appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/key-nuggets-player-reveals-honest-thoughts-about-second-unit/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Key Nuggets Player Sends Confident Message About Starting Lineup

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets are looking to have a bounce-back season in 2025-26.

It’s not that they did horribly last year, but they definitely fell short of their goals, and they want that to change in the months ahead.

They have made some changes, improved their roster, and are feeling confident.

Speaking to the press, Julian Strawther praised his team’s starting lineup.

“We’ve got the best starting 5 in the league,” Strawther said.

Julian Strawther sends a message

“We’ve got the best starting 5 in the league.”

(Via @DNVR_Nuggets ) pic.twitter.com/841BK6atuD

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 4, 2025

Currently, the Nuggets’ starting five is Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and, of course, Nikola Jokic.

That certainly does look like a very competitive squad, but some people are worried they won’t have enough to take on the rest of the West.

After all, there were high hopes for them last year and they fell short.

Jokic is the center of it all and the team needs him more than anyone else.

If he has another banner, MVP-worthy season, there is a good chance the team will be able to climb high in the standings.

But everyone else will need to contribute too, including Strawthner, who will remain a bench player.

The bench is worth noting too, because the team has improved its second unit over the summer.

Notably, the Nuggets added Jonas Valanciunas, who will finally give Jokic some supporting help in the center position.

The Nuggets are definitely looking better and fans are getting excited to see what they can do.

But they need to remain consistent, healthy, and driven for all 82 games.

They have looked good before and haven’t met their goals, and Denver doesn’t want to see that happen again this year.

The post Key Nuggets Player Sends Confident Message About Starting Lineup appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/key-nuggets-player-sends-confident-message-about-starting-lineup/