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Denver Nuggets: Signing Nikola Jokić to a max deal was the right decision

By Alan Mena

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 07: Nikola Jokic #15 looks for an outlet pass while being guarded by Tyler Zeller #44 of the Denver Nuggets puts up a shot over Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets at the Pepsi Center on November 7, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 07: Nikola Jokic #15 looks for an outlet pass while being guarded by Tyler Zeller #44 of the Denver Nuggets puts up a shot over Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets at the Pepsi Center on November 7, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets signed Nikola Jokić to a max deal, but was it the right decision for the franchise? 

The Denver Nuggets offered Nikola Jokić a 5-year, 147.7 million dollar max contract without hesitation. Accepting this deal was a no-brainer for the 23-year-old Serbian who is coveted as the Nuggets’ franchise player.

The Nuggets front office likely discussed offering a max contract especially since Jokić’s 1.6 million team option was declined on Tuesday, June 25th. Jokić was one of the biggest steals of the 2014 NBA Draft when the Nuggets selected him as 41st pick of the second round.

Jokić has statistically improved every season since his rookie year. Notable numbers steadily increased are points, rebounds, assists, steals, 3P%,  and FT%. Jokić led the team in points (18.5), rebounds (10.7), assists (6.1), and FG% (49.9%).

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Leading a team in several statistical categories by age of 23 is quite an impressive feat.

Jokić is arguably the best passing big man in the league and possesses an arsenal of offensive skills showcased on a nightly basis. In the modern NBA, bigs possessing the shooting range of a guard has become normal.

Jokić shot 39.6% beyond the arc last season, placing him 35th in the NBA in three-point percentage. Jokić easily creates quality shots through pick-and-rolls and is unselfish on the offensive end, which always attracts teams to retain a player who possesses such talent.

Three playe who come to mind when comparing Jokić’s offensive game are: DeMarcus Cousins, Marc Gasol, and Al Horford. All four bigs come equipped with skilled passing, post-play, and control of the offensive tempo.

Although Jokić is an all-star on the offensive end, he needs to improve on the opposite end of the floor. Jokić’s interior defense is faulty and the Nuggets need all the rim protection they can get in the Western Conference. Since Paul Millsap is still under contract until the 2019-2020 season, he can provide Jokić with veteran presence and advice to further improve his defensive faults.

During the 2017-2018 campaign the Nuggets failed to secure a playoff spot because they lost the final regular season game. The Nuggets easily have one of the most balanced teams in the NBA. Six players averaged more than 10 points throughout the course of the season.

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If Jokić focuses to improve the poorer aspects of his game, the Nuggets will have a greater chance of securing a playoff spot in an even tougher Western Conference for years to come.

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