With the Denver Nuggets being eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, they will now focus on bolstering their roster for next season. Even in a short five-game series, Nikola Jokic cemented his MVP case with his magnificent performances for the Nuggets.
Draymond Green and Kevon Looney's defense on Jokic was phenomenal, but you can only do so much in containing and limiting the production of The Joker. As Jokic is due for the largest contract in NBA history, there is no doubt he deserves that $254 million supermax contract.
With two max players returning next season in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the ownership will be forced to go over the luxury tax and continue finding the supplementary pieces alongside the three stars.
3 reasons why Nikola Jokic deserves a supermax contract
3. Generational talent
For someone as skillful and intelligent as Jokic on the basketball court, there must be no question why he deserves this massive contract in the offseason. He could possibly claim back-to-back MVP awards before this season is said and done, so not giving him an extension would be a travesty from the Nuggets front office.
As arguably the best second-round pick in the history of the league, Jokic has continually proved that expanding his repertoire is a priority for him. For instance, his weakness used to be his subpar pick-and-roll defense, but he has formulated ways to excel in drop coverage actions. Furthermore, as a supermax player, he exemplifies incredible leadership qualities that influence his teammates like Murray and Porter.
2. Nuggets have the recipe to win it all
Ask any NBA fan who has been tuning in the last few years, most of the super teams that were built from free agency are not experiencing any sustained success. Similar to the Nuggets, franchises like the Warriors or Boston Celtics, who both have constructed their squad through the NBA Draft, are more likely to experience lasting success.
With Jokic, Murray, and Porter all selected through the draft and with all of them still at the early juncture of their careers, the Nuggets must retain them for the next five to 10 years. Aaron Gordon, Will Barton, and Monte Morris are some of the reliable role players who complement their Big Three. Even if the Nuggets still need a few individuals to fill in the gaps, Jokic must be ecstatic with the team being built by the front office, as he will have a competitive lineup every season.
1. Jokic does not rest on his laurels
For some superstars who are expected to receive an enormous amount of guaranteed money, they decide to let go of working on their arsenal and finding new ways of improving various facets of their game. As a result, some teams end up regretting rewarding their franchise cornerstones with a huge contract. But that would be far from a concern with a guy like Jokic.
Just from his 2020 NBA Bubble run wherein they reached the Western Conference Finals, Jokic has added a vast array of shots or passes that continually confuse opposing defenses. Even the playing weight of the reigning MVP has changed, as he knows that his previous type of body type was not ideal for his future. At just 27 years old, Jokic still has five years at the minimum at this peak level. He still has numerous years of dominating the big man position barring any serious injuries.
The early exit of the Nuggets was due to their incomplete lineup, so they are one of the teams that must not run it back next year with a similar roster. A few moves are necessary for the Nuggets to reach the level of the Warriors or Phoenix Suns, but move number one must be signing Jokic as soon as he is eligible for a $254 supermax extension.
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