Denver’s offseason raised legitimate questions, but Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and a significant veteran addition still give the Nuggets a clear path to another top-three finish.
The Denver Nuggets do not need to win the offseason to remain one of the Western Conference’s best teams.
Despite losing Peyton Watson and facing questions about their defensive depth, the Nuggets still have the most important ingredient for surviving an increasingly competitive conference: Nikola Jokić.
ESPN’s latest projections reflect that reality, placing Denver third in the West at 51-31. The San Antonio Spurs are projected to finish first at 62-20, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder at 60-22. Houston also projects to finish 51-31, with Minnesota close behind at 50-32. ESPN’s Western Conference forecast.
Apr 6, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center NikolaJokic(15) reacts after a play as forward Cam Johnson (23) and forward Aaron Gordon (32) and guard Christian Braun (0) and guard JamalMurray(27) look on in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesDenver’s margin for error might be smaller than in previous seasons, but its core remains strong enough to justify a top-three projection.
Jokić and Murray Still Set the Standard
As long as Jokić is healthy, the Nuggets possess one of the NBA’s most reliable offensive foundations.
The three-time MVP controls games as a scorer, rebounder and playmaker, creating quality opportunities regardless of which supporting players surround him. Denver does not need to reinvent its offense because Jokić remains capable of making nearly every lineup functional.
Jamal Murray provides another reason the Nuggets should remain near the top of the standings.
Murray averaged 25.4 points and 7.1 assists last season, giving Denver an established scoring threat who can create independently or operate alongside Jokić in their familiar two-man actions.
That continuity matters when other Western Conference contenders are still integrating major offseason additions.
Aaron Gordon remains an effective cutter, defender and frontcourt partner for Jokić. Christian Braun provides energy on both ends, while Cameron Johnson gives Denver another perimeter shooting option.
That projected starting group has the combination of experience, offensive balance and familiarity necessary to navigate an 82-game season.
DeRozan Changes the Bench Equation
Denver’s most significant offseason addition was DeMar DeRozan, who agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract after being waived by Sacramento.
The six-time All-Star averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field across 77 games last season. Reuters reported that DeRozan has played at least 70 games in each of the past five seasons.
For Denver, his value extends beyond name recognition.
DeRozan gives the Nuggets another proven shot creator capable of stabilizing possessions when Jokić or Murray rests. His ability to draw defenders, attack the midrange and facilitate should help prevent the offensive droughts that can hurt teams during long regular-season stretches.
Losing Watson creates legitimate concerns about Denver’s perimeter defense and athleticism. DeRozan does not replace those strengths, and the Nuggets will need Braun, Gordon and other role players to compensate.
Still, Denver finished 54-28 last season and returns the stars responsible for that success.
The Spurs and Thunder might enter the season with stronger championship arguments, but the Nuggets still have enough talent and continuity to remain firmly in the West’s top three.
