The summer goal of the Nuggets was clear: to better surround Nikola Jokic

U would be Michael Malonecoach, and Calvin Booth, GM, in the final days of the 2024/25 regular season, the Nuggets owners hit hard. The two men were in open conflict over encirclement strategy Nikola Jokic. The franchise made a decision by choosing to part ways with the two, to start with a blank slate.

Later, Ben Tenzer and John Wallace were chosen to write new chapters. With the pressure that comes with it, after the title in 2023 and the obligation not to waste the best years of the three-time MVP.

“There is an obligation. The word pressure is there, but I don’t think it is pressure”, answer Jon Wallace. “There’s a lot of responsibility, obviously, that comes with this opportunity, but we’re grateful to have it.”adds Ben Tenzer. “Instead of talking about pressure, we see it as an exciting thing and we have to enjoy it.

Both had a great offseason, significantly strengthening the team with the return of bruce brownthe arrivals of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas, as well astrade between Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Johnson. When we look at this transfer window, we see that the Nuggets followed the “Michael Malone line”, who wanted experienced players, while Calvin Booth wanted to have youngsters on the bench.

Having young players who don’t see the game at the pace and level of Jokic can have a detrimental effect on the team’s success.

“We wanted to get more bench depth without sacrificing experience. Having young guys who don’t see the game at Jokic’s pace and level can have a detrimental effect on the team’s success.”according to Jon Wallace. “Around him, Jokic has players he really likes and likes to be a good teammate. To be that, you have to have players who share the same ideas and see things the same way as him. We wanted Jokic to have fun playing basketball again.”

Satisfying the Serbian is a big part of the duo’s summer work. The Nuggets, like the Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo, for example, don’t hesitate to hire those close to a player as a small touch to improve his life. And as soon as we talk about basketball, the pivot is also consulted.

“It would be crazy not to listen to his advice and opinions since he is so important to the franchise.”admits Ben Tenzer. “And he looks at basketball in a different way than us or the scouts. He’s a brilliant mind, so you have to ask him what he thinks about things. Sometimes he has an opinion, sometimes he doesn’t, but it’s always good to talk to him. It’s a sign of respect.”

The only “flaw” of this successful summer was the absence of a contract extension for Nikola Jokić. He hasn’t signed a new contract but said he wants to ” forever be a Nuggets player.” The expansion would therefore only be a a matter of time (and money)no will.

“We are satisfied with the current situation. We understand that he wants to wait and that suits us.” I assure Ben Tenzer. “He hasn’t given any indication to the contrary. He’s being honest with us. He knows where he wants to go, he wants to wait. So far we’re getting along.”