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The start of the new NBA season is definitely generating excitement among fans, but for the Denver Nuggets, it hasn’t been an ideal beginning. While they managed to defeat Minnesota in their final preseason game, their four consecutive losses prior to that have raised many questions. Their performances haven’t lived up to expectations, and fans are looking for much more from the team.
Nikola Jokić, the team’s star player, has openly expressed his disappointment with his teammates' performances ahead of their opener against Oklahoma City. Jokić is aware that they need to step up if they want to achieve their ambitions. Everyone is hoping the team will elevate their game and showcase their true strength in the early matches of the season.
Nikola Jokić emphasized that the team didn’t perform during the preseason as they had hoped. He pointed out that their defense wasn’t up to the desired level and that they struggled to score. NBA star described their performance as very poor and confused throughout the entire preparation. Jokić expressed hope that things would improve once the regular season begins.
29-year-old emphasized that everyone needs to play much better, stating that this is the most important thing for the team. He highlighted the need for positive thinking and an uplifting environment, mentioning that everyone wants to improve. Nikola expressed hope that the team is heading in the right direction.
Denver is a team filled with talented players, and many believe they will elevate their game moving forward, showcasing what is crucial for a former champion. Having such players in the team ensures that things can improve, but it’s essential for them to regain their confidence and head in the right direction. Jokić is the cornerstone of the team and the player from whom the most is expected, but handling pressure is not difficult for him. The Serbian basketball player is accustomed to the role of team leader, so fans hope that Jokić will lead the team toward a trophy in the weeks ahead.
When discussing the team's progress after the preseason games, Jokic said it wasn't bad and sincerely hoped that things were better than they seemed. However, he added that the true results would be seen in a few days.
Coach Michael Malone doesn’t want to create chaos or portray the preseason as a failure. It’s unrealistic to expect any team to be consistently impressive, so Malone remains optimistic about the future. He has a great team and amazing individual players who can make a difference.
The training camp in Abu Dhabi highlighted both their areas for improvement and their strengths. Interestingly, the club couldn’t train in their arena, but now that renovations are complete, they have the opportunity to practice there again. Malone is happy about this, knowing how important it is to train on their home court and prepare for what lies ahead.
"Every day we spend on the court, getting used to the lights, the baskets, and gradually relaxing, means a lot. After all, this is our home court," said Malone.
Michael Malone on being underdogs
The 53-year-old coach believes that not being viewed as favorites is a great advantage, as it eases the pressure on a team that truly has potential. He emphasized that they will try to use this to their advantage throughout the season and aim to surprise those who consider them underdogs. Malone has no intention of staying on criticisms and comments from others, confident that they have a team capable of competing at the highest level. He has demonstrated an ability to work well with both young and experienced players, and there are high hopes placed on him.
"Maybe it will be easier for us to function if we carry the underdog status throughout the season. Then opponents might give us a better chance. Last year, we were targeted by 29 teams, and we were caught by Minnesota. Now we’re entering with a new team and new challenges. Regardless of what people say about us, we know we have a good team and a chance to be special."- he said.
Jamal Murray was quite critical of the team's performance, pointing out that their biggest issue was turnovers. He also highlighted challenges with transition play and getting back on defense. He emphasized the need for greater discipline within the team and the importance of everyone being on the same wavelength, meaning they need to communicate more with each other. According to him, both defense and offense are crucial for the team's success.
It will be interesting to see how much this NBA team can do this season. Jokic will be the player who will attract the most attention.
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