Despite their recent elimination from the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have a plenty of reasons to be excited about their future after the rise of Nikola Jokic, who has made every difference in the team's offense since becoming the standalone starting center.
According to Justin Kubatko of StatMuse, Jokic's insertion into the starting lineup on Dec. 15 has bolstered the Nuggets into the best offense the league has seen from that point on.
Since Dec. 15, Denver has a league-leading 117.2 offensive rating, better than the Golden State Warriors (115.9), Houston Rockets (115.4), and the Cleveland Cavaliers (114.4).
Jokic's ability to rebound at a high rate, be the pivot-man in the offense and be a one-man fast break, has made the Nuggets into a much more efficient offensive team. Since making Jokic the plug at center in the starting lineup, the Nuggets have averaged 27.1 assists per game.
A worthy candidate for Most Improved Player award, Jokic is averaging 16.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season, becoming one of the best passing centers in the league.
Head coach Mike Malone sees Nikola Jokic as the centerpiece of this young team — thing that will only help the Nuggets moving forward, as the 22-year-old sharpens his rough edges this offseason.
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