Kevin Durant's Brooklyn Nets and LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers are considered as the top two favorites to win the crown in 2021-22. The Denver Nuggets aren't exactly seen as a top contender, especially with Jamal Murray still nursing an injury ahead of the start of the new season. Well, don't tell Nikola Jokic that.
The former league MVP was recently asked if he likes his team's chances even without Murray in the fold. In his mind, Jokic believes that the Nuggets still deserve to be in the championship conversation:
“Yes, of course,” Jokic responded, via Moke Hamilton of BaksetballNews.com. “If everybody buys in and everybody plays the right way, there is a chance, of course.”
Durant and LeBron better be ready. Jokic and Co. are coming and the fact that many are underestimating the Nuggets early on could actually work in their favor.
Murray tore his ACL last season and at this point, the Nuggets have not provided a clear timetable on his potential return date. Based on recent developments, it is looking more and more likely that the 24-year-old will miss a significant part of the coming campaign. Despite this development, however, Jokic remains unfazed.
“Do we have enough talent? I don’t know,” Jokic said. “Are we the best team in the NBA? I don’t know, so we will see. The season is going to show us everything.”
Jokic is not the type who comes out with bold promises. He just goes out there and lets his game do the talking. A lot will be riding on his shoulders this coming season, though, and how successful the Nuggets end up being in 2021-22 will ultimately depend on the Joker's level of play.
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