Nuggets Coach Faces Challenge: Finding Balance in Usage Nikola Jokic After the Worry of Overload

As the Denver Nuggets embark on another high-stakes playoff campaign, the spotlight once again falls on their franchise cornerstone: Nikola Jokić. A two-time MVP, 2023 NBA Champion, and arguably the most complete big man in modern basketball, Jokić is the heart and soul of the Nuggets’ system. But with greatness comes responsibility—and lately, that responsibility has looked more like a burden. The concern over overuse is growing, and head coach Michael Malone now faces a critical balancing act: how to maintain Jokić’s dominance while avoiding physical burnout that could derail Denver’s championship hopes.

With the regular season in the books and postseason intensity ratcheting up, this conversation isn’t hypothetical anymore. Jokić has logged heavy minutes, carried a massive playmaking load, and consistently delivered under pressure. But as the playoffs press on, so does the physical and mental toll. Can Malone manage his superstar’s minutes without sacrificing wins? Or will the pressure to repeat as champions lead to another overloaded stretch for the Serbian phenom?

Let’s dive deep into the numbers, the context, and the strategies surrounding Nikola Jokić’s usage rate, and how the Nuggets plan to walk the fine line between greatness and exhaustion.

Nikola Jokić’s staggering workload: The numbers tell the story

The Nuggets rely on Nikola Jokić more than any other team depends on a single player. He leads the team in points, rebounds, assists, and usage percentage. In the 2024–25 regular season, Jokić posted an astounding 32.5 usage rate, coupled with an average of 35.8 minutes per game, both among the highest for any center in the league.

What separates Jokić from other bigs is that he’s not just a scorer or rebounder—he’s also the team’s primary facilitator. With 8.9 assists per game, Jokić acts as Denver’s offensive hub. Every possession begins and often ends with him, whether through low-post scoring, top-of-the-key passing, or pick-and-roll orchestration.

The advanced metrics echo the concern. According to NBA tracking data, Jokić touches the ball more per game than any other center in the league, averaging over 97 touches per game, with a time of possession exceeding 5.6 minutes. That’s a workload reminiscent of high-usage point guards like Luka Dončić or James Harden in his prime.

All of this becomes even more significant when viewed through the lens of endurance. The playoffs are a war of attrition, and Jokić’s unique role makes him vulnerable to fatigue, especially during long series or back-to-back high-intensity games.

Balancing act: Malone’s dilemma in preserving Nikola Jokić

Coach Michael Malone is no stranger to the challenges of managing a superstar. But managing Nikola Jokić presents a unique conundrum. Unlike traditional stars who may excel in one or two areas, Jokić is the engine of everything the Nuggets do on both ends of the court.

Malone has voiced concerns publicly, stating: “We ask a lot of Nikola. He does it willingly, but we have to be smart with how much we lean on him, especially in these high-stakes moments.”

The concern isn’t just about minutes—it’s about intensity. In tightly contested games, Jokić is expected to defend elite centers, create scoring chances for teammates, and carry the offense late into the fourth quarter. The pressure compounds when games go into overtime or stretch over seven-game playoff series.

So what’s the solution?

One option Malone has tested is staggered rest—removing Jokić for brief periods across quarters to keep his legs fresh while minimizing damage during his absence. But even with smart rotations, Denver’s offense suffers a steep drop-off when Jokić sits. The team’s net rating swings by nearly -12 points per 100 possessions without him on the court, showcasing just how indispensable he is.

Some fans have pushed for more backup support or a deeper bench rotation. However, Denver’s system is tailored so tightly around Jokić’s unique skills that plug-and-play substitutions simply don’t replicate his impact. It’s not as simple as giving him more rest—it’s about recalibrating the team’s entire identity when he’s off the floor.

Supporting cast: Can Denver ease the load on Jokić?

One key to solving the usage issue lies with Denver’s supporting cast, especially Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. All three are capable scorers and have proven playoff resumes. But for Malone’s strategy to work, they’ll need to take on more offensive initiation when Jokić is resting.

Jamal Murray, in particular, has shown he can handle lead-guard duties. In the 2023 playoffs, he averaged over 26 points and 7 assists, often taking over in crunch time alongside Jokić. If he can maintain that level and shoulder more ball-handling responsibilities early in games, it will allow Jokić to conserve energy for the second half and key playoff moments.

Michael Porter Jr., with his elite shooting, offers a different dynamic. If he can improve his off-ball movement and shot creation, he’ll relieve Jokić of the need to orchestrate every offensive set. Aaron Gordon, known more for defense and rebounding, has also improved his slashing and interior scoring, providing another option when Jokić plays off-ball or from the bench.

The Nuggets also need consistent bench contributions. Reggie Jackson, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson have all shown flashes, but their inconsistency forces Malone to reinsert Jokić earlier than planned. For a true minutes-reduction plan to work, Denver’s second unit must hold leads and run effective sets without relying on Jokić as a bailout.

Malone’s strategy, therefore, hinges on empowering these role players—not just to perform, but to take responsibility. If they can collectively absorb even 10% of Jokić’s current workload, it could make a massive difference come June.

Postseason pressure: Why Jokic’s rest matters more now

As the playoffs wear on, the intensity doesn’t just increase—it doubles. Every possession is contested, every transition a battle, every rebound a war. This environment exacerbates any wear and tear players are already feeling. And for a center who plays as physically and as often as Nikola Jokić, that toll is unavoidable.

Jokić is known for his endurance, but no player is invincible. The Nuggets can’t afford to have their MVP hobbling through a conference final because of excessive wear in earlier rounds. This is why load management isn’t just a regular-season strategy—it’s a postseason imperative.

Championship teams often rise and fall not just on talent, but on availability. We’ve seen great teams lose key players at pivotal moments: Giannis with a knee sprain, Embiid with a torn meniscus, Anthony Davis with groin issues. Denver doesn’t want to join that list.

That said, Jokić himself resists rest. Known for his stoicism and no-nonsense approach, he’s the type to play through fatigue rather than ask out. Malone and the Nuggets’ medical staff must be proactive in monitoring his physical status, even when he insists he’s fine.

Technological tools like player tracking devices, heart rate monitors, and recovery analytics will be crucial in determining when and how long to rest Jokić. These tools can identify drops in explosive movement, reaction time, or stress accumulation that the naked eye might miss.

The path forward: Building longevity into a championship run

Ultimately, Malone and the Nuggets must accept a fundamental truth: They can’t win a title without Jokić at full strength. That truth means accepting short-term sacrifices—perhaps dropping a quarter, or even a game, to ensure their star remains healthy deep into the playoffs.

This isn’t about diminishing Jokić’s role. It’s about preserving his brilliance so it can shine at the biggest moments. The goal should be to get the most efficient, not just the most minutes, from him.

This may also lead to offseason adjustments. The front office could target versatile bigs or secondary playmakers who can lessen the load next season. But for now, the mission is clear: win now, but win smart.

Conclusion: Greatness requires careful management

Nikola Jokić is arguably the most valuable player in basketball. His versatility, consistency, and unselfishness have turned the Nuggets into perennial contenders. But even superheroes need to recharge. And as the playoff gauntlet begins, Denver’s hopes rest on whether Coach Michael Malone can strike the right balance between utilizing Jokić and preserving him.

This delicate dance of minutes, touches, and matchups could define Denver’s season. Get it right, and they could repeat as champions. Get it wrong, and the cost could be another overworked superstar unable to answer the bell when it matters most.