The Denver Nuggets Are Still Standing-Even Without Jokic
As the 2025-26 NBA season tipped off, the Denver Nuggets were right where you’d expect them-firmly in the championship conversation and seen by many as Oklahoma City’s biggest threat out West. And early on, they looked every bit the part. But in the months since, Denver’s been tested, and no challenge has loomed larger than the absence of Nikola Jokic, who’s been sidelined for nearly a month with a knee injury.
Let’s be clear: losing a two-time MVP and the engine of your offense isn’t something most teams can weather. But the Nuggets aren’t most teams. They’ve found ways to stay afloat-and even thrive in moments-thanks to a mix of internal development, resilience, and just enough star power to hold the line.
Watson’s Rise, Murray’s Steady Hand
One of the brightest spots in Jokic’s absence has been the emergence of Peyton Watson. The 21-year-old wing has taken a major leap, flashing high-level scoring chops and playing with a confidence that suggests he’s not just filling in-he’s arriving. Watson’s blend of length, athleticism, and shot-making has given Denver a dynamic weapon they weren’t necessarily counting on this early.
Then there’s Jamal Murray. The veteran guard has shouldered the offensive load with poise, keeping the Nuggets offense humming even without its centerpiece.
He’s playing some of the best basketball of his career, and with All-Star Weekend approaching, it’s hard to argue he doesn’t deserve his first nod. Murray’s been the steady hand guiding Denver through turbulent waters.
Trade Deadline Dreams and Realities
As the trade deadline approaches, don’t expect the Nuggets to be major players. Not because they wouldn’t love to add another piece, but because their asset cupboard is pretty bare. They’ve already moved several future picks-most notably their 2027 and 2029 first-rounders to Oklahoma City-and the protections on those deals make it tough to even get creative with pick swaps.
That said, there’s always room to dream. And if Denver could somehow swing for the fences, there’s one name that would top their wishlist: the Pelicans’ 25-year-old wing, Trey Murphy III.
Murphy’s price tag is steep-New Orleans reportedly wants a haul similar to what Memphis got for Desmond Bane or Brooklyn for Mikal Bridges. That’s likely too rich for Denver’s blood.
Still, it’s easy to see why Nuggets head coach David Adelman is such a fan. After Murphy dropped 31 points in a recent game against Denver, Adelman joked that he hoped an Eastern Conference team would trade for him-just so the Nuggets wouldn’t have to see him more than twice a year.
Murphy’s fit in Denver would be seamless. Nearly 77% of his buckets are assisted, and he’s thrived playing off high-IQ bigs like Zion Williamson and rookie Derik Queen.
Now imagine him cutting, spotting up, and flying in transition next to Jokic-arguably the best passing big man the game has ever seen. It’s a tantalizing thought.
He’s also a more athletic option than Michael Porter Jr., with the kind of two-way versatility that could elevate Denver’s ceiling even further. While Porter brings a bold shot diet and elite shooting, Murphy offers more balance-he can shoot, slash, and defend at a high level. He’s the kind of player who could swing a playoff series.
But again, it’s just a dream. Denver doesn’t have the draft capital to compete with teams like Detroit, Toronto, or Golden State in a potential bidding war. The Nuggets front office might fantasize about Murphy, but unless something dramatic changes, he’s likely out of reach.
Injuries and Depth: A Season of Survival
It’s not just Jokic. Injuries have hit Denver hard across the board.
Aaron Gordon is nursing a hamstring issue-always tricky to manage during a long season. Murray himself has dealt with tightness in the same area.
Christian Braun has been banged up with ankle issues, and Cam Johnson, brought in to bolster the wing rotation, has missed time with a knee injury and hasn’t quite found his rhythm in Denver.
Even Jonas Valanciunas, who was expected to help carry the load inside while Jokic recovers, has battled a calf strain. It’s been one thing after another.
Yet somehow, the Nuggets remain in the thick of the Western Conference race, sitting comfortably in the top three. That’s a testament to their depth, coaching, and the development of their younger players. Jalen Pickett, Spencer Jones, and Zeke Nnaji have all stepped up in key moments, giving Denver meaningful minutes and proving this roster has more layers than people might’ve realized.
The Road Ahead
The Nuggets don’t need to swing a blockbuster deal at the deadline. They just need to get healthy.
Getting Jokic back is the biggest “acquisition” they could ask for. Making sure Murray and Gordon are fully recovered from their hamstring issues will be key.
And reestablishing Braun-who was a breakout performer last season-should be a top priority.
If this group can get back to full strength, they’re still one of the most dangerous teams in the league. They’ve built a deep, versatile roster around their core, and they’ve proven they can survive without their superstar. Now imagine what they can do when he returns.
Denver may not be the loudest team at the deadline, but they’re still a legitimate title contender. And with Jokic back in the fold, they won’t be dreaming about championships-they’ll be chasing one.