Jokić Plays Less in the Upcoming Season. Is the Nuggets’ Internal Situation Sending a Dangerous Signal?

Nikola Jokić may be the best basketball player on Earth, but even a three-time MVP has limits. After another grueling season in which he ranked fourth in the NBA in minutes per game (36.7), the Denver Nuggets are finally taking steps to reduce their reliance on the Serbian superstar. Their plan? Strengthen the bench—specifically at center—and give Jokić a chance to breathe during the regular season without sacrificing competitiveness.

The Nuggets’ latest move signals that change: Jonas Valančiūnas, a rugged veteran center with playoff experience and the size to anchor second units, has joined the team via trade. And Denver is hopeful that his presence will finally allow them to manage Jokić’s workload, preserve his health, and extend the team’s title window.

Jokić’s Heavy Workload: A Double-Edged Sword

It’s no secret that Denver leaned heavily on Jokić last season. He was their offensive engine, defensive anchor, and emotional leader. But with that came exhaustion.

🏀 “We ask a lot of Nikola. Maybe too much,” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone admitted near the end of the 2024–25 season.

Jokić’s 36.7 minutes per game—more than players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid—reflected not just his importance, but Denver’s glaring lack of reliable frontcourt depth. The Nuggets could rarely afford to take him off the floor, especially against elite competition.

And while Jokić has been remarkably durable, the Nuggets know they can’t gamble forever. Championship contention requires sustainability—and sustainability requires rest.

The Backup Problem: No Relief Behind the MVP

Denver’s struggles with backup centers have been well documented. DeAndre Jordan, while a respected locker room presence, was nearly 37 last season and a defensive liability against younger, quicker bigs. His limited mobility made him an easy target for opposing pick-and-rolls, often forcing Malone to rush Jokić back onto the court.

Behind Jordan, there were no consistent answers. Young bigs like Zeke Nnaji or Peyton Watson showed flashes but lacked the experience or physical presence to hold their own for extended minutes.

This overdependence on Jokić wore thin as the season progressed. By the playoffs, fatigue was evident—even for a player as deceptively steady as Nikola.

Enter Jonas Valančiūnas: The Best Backup Jokić Has Had in Years

Recognizing the issue, Denver made a bold offseason trade to acquire Jonas Valančiūnas, a seasoned veteran known for his rebounding, post scoring, and sheer physicality. While not flashy, Valančiūnas is exactly what the Nuggets needed: a capable big man who can run second units, absorb minutes, and provide relief without a dramatic system drop-off.

📢 “Jonas is a warrior. He knows how to bang in the paint, space the floor a bit, and anchor a defense,” one Nuggets executive said. “He brings things we’ve been missing.”

There is one caveat: reports surfaced that Valančiūnas had lucrative offers from teams in Greece, raising questions about his long-term commitment to staying in the NBA. However, for now, Denver believes he’ll honor his current contract and contribute from Day 1.

If he does, it marks the first time Jokić has had a legit backup since DeMarcus Cousins briefly stepped in during the 2021–22 campaign.

Why This Move Matters for the Nuggets’ Championship Hopes

Denver remains in the heart of its championship window. With Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon all under contract, the core is intact. But if they’re to keep pace with rising Western Conference contenders like Oklahoma City and Minnesota—or stay ahead of a potentially reloaded Lakers or Suns—they need every ounce of Jokić’s brilliance available in the playoffs.

That means minimizing unnecessary fatigue during the regular season.

Valančiūnas allows Denver to:

• Reduce Jokić’s minutes to under 33 per game

• Avoid overplaying him in back-to-back situations

• Let Jokić sit out occasional games without tanking the second unit

• Match up physically with bigger second-unit centers

This is about playing the long game. The Nuggets don’t need to overextend Jokić to win 50 games. What they need is to keep him fresh for May and June, when the real battles begin.

The Bigger Picture: Jokić’s Future in Denver

Jokić is eligible for an extension but has yet to sign one, a subtle move that has sparked whispers about his long-term intentions. The Nuggets don’t believe he’s looking to leave—but they also know that stars need to feel supported. Reducing his burden isn’t just smart basketball—it’s good relationship management.

🧠 “You can’t keep asking one guy to carry it all,” said a Western Conference scout. “Jokić is humble, but he’s human. Getting him help sends a message: We’ve got your back.”

Denver’s ability to show Jokić they’re serious about protecting his body and legacy could be the difference between keeping him and watching him test free agency in 2027.

Conclusion: A Small Move That Could Have a Big Impact

The acquisition of Jonas Valančiūnas won’t dominate headlines. But it might be the most important offseason move the Denver Nuggets make in 2025.

By finally giving Nikola Jokić a competent backup, they’re taking a step toward sustainability, health, and long-term success. It’s a move that acknowledges the brilliance of their franchise player—and the reality that even the best need rest.

In a league where every minute matters, the Nuggets may have just added the key to preserving their MVP—and their title hopes.