There is no lack of optimism in the Denver Nuggets’ camp as the team prepares to start their campaign as the defending NBA champions. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, stars Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic said they believe the Nuggets can go all the way in 2023-24 as well.
“I just think we can do it again,” Murray said. “I think that’s the biggest thing, just being able to repeat and go through the adversity and ups and downs of this season. Just be ready by April and going to June.”
Jokic, who won the NBA Finals MVP honors in a 4-1 routing of the Miami Heat, has a similar opinion as Murray.
“Go get the opportunity to win another one. Probably, that’s going to be the next step for us,” said Jokic. “… Like Jamal said, like why not win again?”
Despite the Nuggets’ optimism, their road to the NBA title will likely be much harder this season than it was in 2022-23. Several of the championship contenders have significantly improved this offseason. The Phoenix Suns traded for All-Star Bradley Beal, while the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a blockbuster trade for superstar Damian Lillard.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, remained pat. While maintaining the majority of their core players, they only signed several rotational pieces, including veteran forward Justin Holiday. On the other hand, they have seen the likes of Bruce Brown and Jeff Green leave elsewhere.
