Nikola Jokić’s Quiet Upgrade Is Turning Into a Devastating Shift Across the NBA

The Denver Nuggets have made a bold move heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, giving their superstar Nikola Jokić something he’s never truly had before: unprecedented roster flexibility. With the addition of Jonas Valančiūnas, combined with versatile frontcourt pieces like Aaron Gordon and rookie DaRon Holmes II, the Nuggets now have multiple ways to build lineups around their two-time MVP. Head coach David Adelman has praised the roster’s versatility, suggesting Denver can deploy lineups with two big men, a small-ball five in Gordon, or even a defensive specialist in Holmes when matchups demand it. Analysts, including Kevin O’Connor, have compared this approach to the Houston Rockets’ use of Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams, noting that the ability to adapt gives Denver insurance against strategic pitfalls. The changes reflect the vision of new executives Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, who reshaped the roster with one goal in mind: maximize Jokić’s championship window. For a team that hasn’t lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy since 2023, the flexibility and depth surrounding Jokić could be the edge they need to reclaim NBA supremacy.

Nuggets Deliver Jokić Something He Has Never Had

For years, Nikola Jokić has carried the Denver Nuggets with his transcendent playmaking and dominance in the post. But critics have often pointed to one glaring issue: Denver rarely surrounded him with the kind of lineup flexibility that could give him multiple pathways to victory. This season, that narrative has shifted. With a roster overhaul led by Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, Jokić finally has a gift he’s never enjoyed before — a roster built on adaptability.

Jonas Valančiūnas Brings a Twin-Tower Option

The arrival of Jonas Valančiūnas marks a new chapter for the Nuggets. At 7’0”, the Lithuanian center adds brute force, rebounding, and low-post scoring to a team already featuring the league’s most skilled big man in Jokić. Head coach David Adelman has already hinted at the potential of pairing the two in a “twin tower” lineup. It’s a configuration Denver has never had in the Jokić era — two legitimate bigs sharing the floor to overwhelm opponents inside. For Denver fans, it’s an enticing experiment that could completely reshape playoff matchups.

Comparisons to Houston’s Şengün-Adams Duo

NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor has drawn a comparison between the Nuggets’ new setup and the Houston Rockets’ approach last season with Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams. That pairing allowed Houston to mix finesse with physicality, adjusting strategies on the fly. Denver’s hope is that Jokić and Valančiūnas can deliver the same; the precision passing of Jokić combined with the bruising interior game of Valančiūnas. For the first time, if one offensive style stalls, Denver has another option to fall back on.

Aaron Gordon as the Small-Ball Five

While twin towers will steal the spotlight, the Nuggets also retain their small-ball weapon in Aaron Gordon. Gordon has long been Denver’s Swiss Army knife, capable of guarding multiple positions and serving as a small-ball five in high-speed lineups. This flexibility means Denver can seamlessly switch from a power-oriented identity with Valančiūnas to a pace-and-space attack with Gordon at center. It’s the kind of depth and versatility championship contenders dream of.

DaRon Holmes II Adds Defensive Firepower

The Nuggets also addressed a long-standing need: defense on the perimeter. Enter DaRon Holmes II, a promising young player with the length and athleticism to change games defensively. Holmes might not log heavy minutes early, but his presence gives Adelman a crucial card to play in matchups against elite wing scorers. For a Nuggets team that has often struggled defensively outside of Jokić, Holmes could be the secret weapon in a playoff series.

A Front Office Overhaul Pays Immediate Dividends

The Nuggets’ transformation didn’t happen by accident. New executives Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace aggressively reshaped the roster in the offseason, moving past the conservative approach of recent years. Their goal was simple: don’t waste Jokić’s prime. By bringing in Valančiūnas, drafting Holmes, and retaining Gordon, they created a roster with multiple paths to winning. In doing so, they’ve arguably given Denver its best chance since 2023 to make another deep championship run.

Jokić’s Game Gets Even More Dangerous With Options

The beauty of Jokić’s game has always been his versatility, he can dominate as a scorer, passer, or rebounder. Now, with more lineup flexibility around him, his options multiply. Surrounded by different supporting casts, Jokić’s ability to dictate pace, spacing, and flow becomes even more dangerous. Opponents can no longer prepare for just one version of Denver. They must prepare for three or four.

Fans Believe This Could Be the Best Supporting Cast Yet

The buzz around Denver is palpable. Local fans are calling this roster the most complete supporting cast Jokić has had in his career. Social media erupted after Adelman’s comments about playing Jokić and Valančiūnas together. For a fanbase that has endured frustrating playoff exits in recent years, hope has returned in the form of roster versatility. The Nuggets aren’t just betting on Jokić, they’re building a team that can support him in ways never seen before.

Championship Aspirations Burn Bright Once Again

Ultimately, all the talk of flexibility, depth, and versatility comes down to one thing: winning championships. The Nuggets have not lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy since their magical 2023 run. With rivals like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns loading up for title pushes, Denver had no choice but to evolve. By arming Jokić with multiple lineup looks, the Nuggets are signaling that anything short of a title chase is unacceptable.

Why This Could Be Jokić’s Defining Season

The 2025-26 season could define Jokić’s legacy. Already a two-time MVP and an NBA champion, he now has a team that matches his genius with balance and adaptability. Every playoff series will test the Nuggets’ new configurations, but for the first time, Denver has counterpunches ready. If Jokić delivers another masterpiece season, this could be remembered not just as a roster adjustment, but as the year Denver gave their superstar the ultimate gift: the tools to dominate on every front.