Nikola Jokic Shares How He Views the Nuggets in the New Western Conference Race

The Denver Nuggets enter the 2025-2026 season with a deeper, renewed roster and a clear goal: to return to championship contention. The new additions have revived optimism in a franchise that, despite recent success, is not considered a favorite in a loaded Western Conference.

Nikola Jokic, three-time MVP and the heart of the team, is fully aware of the new landscape. With the Houston Rockets reloaded and the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, projected by general managers as 80% favorites to repeat, the Nuggets approach the season without the pressure of being the team to beat.

Speaking to reporters, Jokic said he doesn’t think the Nuggets have ever been favorites, not even when they won the title, and added that he doesn’t feel pressure in Denver. He noted that others are now the hunted and acknowledged that those teams are playing well.

The Nuggets, Once Again Chasing

Denver is coming off a 50-win regular season and a competitive playoff run. The team beat Kawhi Leonard’s Los Angeles Clippers in the first round before pushing the eventual champions to a Game 7. Jamal Murray later commented that they did it “without structure,” highlighting how much potential the team still has to grow.

Over the summer, the Nuggets used the offseason to fully integrate head coach David Adelman’s system and strengthen a bench that had been their weak spot. Early projections still don’t list them among the top favorites, something Jokic said he actually enjoys. Laughing, he mentioned that he hopes they can be the “silent knight,” or as he corrected himself, the “dark horse.”

The Joker’s Goal

Beyond predictions, Jokic’s purpose is clear: to compete for another championship. With a core of Jokic, Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun, plus new depth thanks to Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Cam Johnson, Denver once again has a roster capable of contending for everything.

Jokic said the team now has different weapons and can be dangerous. He added that with the new additions, they will likely surprise people and play in a different way.

Still, the Serbian star maintained his trademark humility. He said the team just wants to perform well, stay healthy, and find a way to play together… if they do that, he believes they’ll be fine.

With greater depth, emerging young talent, and the leadership of one of the best players in the world, the Nuggets look ready to reclaim their throne in the West.