Rachel Nichols slams Denver Nuggets’ treatment of Nikola Jokic, issue now fixed

Last season, the Nuggets leaned heavily on Nikola Jokic, who logged a career-high 36.7 minutes per game. That heavy workload took its toll.

Rachel Nichols did not hold back in her criticism of how Denver built their roster, especially after looking at how reliant they were on Jokic’s presence.

“The on-off numbers of Jokic last year and the team, I mean, it was criminal. I’d love to know where that fits into like the all-time on-off for a single star,” the NBA journalist said.

“And they just would lose ground every game by such a degree, every time Jokic stepped off the floor and it put real wear and tear on him.”

Nichols also spoke about how that workload showed up during the season. Even with his impressive averages – 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists – fatigue was hard to miss at times.

“He obviously played well through that seventh game but you could see him get worn down at times this season because it was literally the only way the team could even win a game.”

Jonas Valanciunas signing gives Nikola Jokic the backup support he has needed

Nichols believes Denver addressed this concern by signing veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, who should help manage the minutes when Jokic is off the floor.

Valanciunas’ arrival is expected to give Denver a much more reliable presence during Jokic’s rest periods, something they have lacked in recent seasons.

“I think Valanciunas is just going to raise that floor so much. He’s not a superstar in that category, certainly older, but he’s a grown up and he’s big, and I just think he’s going to make those non-Jokic minutes so much more palatable.”

The Lithuanian star averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game across stints with Washington and Sacramento last year.

He brings solid experience and size, giving Denver a dependable option behind Jokic that they have not had in previous years.

“And so I just think that will take some pressure off him, both mentally and physically. And so he will be if it’s possible to be better, he will be better,” Nichols concluded.