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Nuggets Legend Dan Issel shared his thoughts.

The Denver Nuggets' season ended in disappointing fashion after suffering an upset-loss in six games to the Minnesota Timberwolves that culminated in a total breakdown of the team by the end.

Emotions were clearly high after the game, especially with Nikola Jokic's comments after the game where he said that if they were in Serbia, Jokic's home country, "everyone would be fired."

Based on comments like that and how prematurely the Nuggets' season ended considering they came into the playoffs as the 3-seed in the Western Conference, it would be easy to think that some big changes would be coming in the offseason when it comes to Denver's roster construction.

Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the second half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesDenver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the second half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

However, one icon of Nuggets basketball isn't convinced that will be the case, considering what he knows about Denver's owner, Stan Kroenke. 

A Legend Speaks

Dan Issel played 802 games with the Denver Nuggets between 1975-1985, climbing up the Nuggets' record books in the process. He's third all-time for the Nuggets in games played and points with 16,589 and second all-time in rebounds with 6,630, just to name a few accolades, so his word is revered when it comes to Nuggets basketball.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles the ball past Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles the ball past Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

That's why his comments when it comes to Denver's offseason approach that he made on FanDuel Sports' Run It Back program hold so weight.

There's a lot of opportunity available in the upcoming free agent class, with players like James Harden and Trae Young potentially available should they decline their player options and wealth of universal free agents available as well.

Still, bringing in a total team rebuild would require the Nuggets to open their wallet and considering how much money is already on the books in Denver, Issel sees them staying content with the roster that they have.

"Stan Kreonke is the most frugal billionaire since Warren Buffet," Issel said. "I don't think he's going to fire a coach [David Adelman] who has a lot of time left on his contract or go into the third apron or the fourth apron and pay all the taxes. So, I don't know if there's a lot of moves to be made here."

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesDenver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Do The Nuggets Need to Change?

The exact details of David Adelman's multi-year contract extension aren't publicly known, but it's safe to say that he'll be on the Nuggets' sideline for a long time and Denver ownership is reportedly confident in his abilities moving forward.

Looking at the Nuggets roster, there may not be a lot of reason to completely blow up the team anyways. Denver was bogged down by injuries to their starters throughout the season, yet that revealed the talent of depth pieces like Peyton Watson and overall, the Nuggets still finished in a favorable position. 

Short of a major move like trading Jamal Murray, who has boosted his value this season with an All-Star selection despite having a lackluster series against Minnesota, the Nuggets may not even need to dramatically restructure their roster.