The Denver Nuggets faced another disappointing playoff exit in the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals, marking the second consecutive year they fell short at this stage. Despite off-court turmoil, including the dismissal of head coach Michael Malone and General Manager Calvin Booth, Nikola Jokic’s NBA brilliance continued to shine throughout the 2024-25 season, offering hope for the team’s future.
Denver Nuggets’ Season Ends Amid Organizational Shake-Up
Following a difficult season, the Nuggets underwent significant changes in leadership after failing to progress beyond the second round of the playoffs. The team stunned many by overcoming the Los Angeles Clippers in a tough seven-game series during the first round, but ultimately struggled in the decisive Game 7 in the semifinals. The departures of Malone and Booth, announced abruptly, signaled a major shift for the franchise’s direction moving forward.
“Full clean out: The Denver Nuggets are also firing general manager Calvin Booth, sources tell ESPN. Michael Malone and Booth both out today. pic.twitter.com/FvqOAFyOKy” —Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Nikola Jokic Solidifies Status Among NBA’s Elite Players
Nikola Jokic’s performance this season reinforced his standing as one of the world’s premier basketball talents. Although the NBA Most Valuable Player Award went to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic finished closely behind, confirming his place as either the top or second-best player globally. His unique combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence continues to set him apart in the league.
The center delivered staggering statistics over the season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, while shooting 57.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to impact the game in multiple facets sustained his reputation for brilliance.
“This season, Nikola Jokić became the first player since play-by-play data was first tracked (1996-97) to record a triple-double in each ‘half’ of game time. First 26:30 minutes: 13p/10r/11a Last 26:30 minutes: 18p/11r/11a pic.twitter.com/OQmACFDLIC” —Crazy Stats, NBA Statistics Analyst
Teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic Highlights Jokic’s Exceptional Qualities
In a FIBA interview, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jokic’s compatriot and current guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, spoke candidly about what distinguishes Jokic as a player. Bogdanovic emphasized not only Jokic’s basketball IQ but also his physical conditioning and endurance, which are rare for a player of his size.
“I think everybody knows about his IQ and feel for the game, but what is really making him special, I think, is his basketball shape for his size, the ability to run and conditioning,”
Bogdanovic remarked.
Serbia’s national team head coach, Svetislav Pesic, added context about the team’s dynamics, stressing their collective strength beyond individual stars like Jokic and Bogdanovic. Their chemistry and depth have been pivotal to recent successes.
“ð·ð¸ð£ï¸Serbia coach Svetislav Pesic explained how the ‘Orlovi’ are far more than ‘Nikola Jokic’s’ or ‘Bogdan Bogdanovic’s team’ due to their chemistry and depth. pic.twitter.com/zwipbhbNZM” —Eurohoops, Basketball News Outlet
Bogdanovic also praised Jokic’s court vision, remarking,
“His front vision. I feel like he knows what’s going to happen steps ahead…It brings the probably the highest confidence that I got to play with anyone else.”
International Success Fuels Confidence for Jokic and Bogdanovic
Outside the NBA, Jokic and Bogdanovic have combined forces for Serbia on the international stage, achieving notable victories. Their collaboration earned Serbia the bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, a significant achievement following the country’s silver medal in 2016. Both players are key figures as Serbia looks ahead to EuroBasket 2025, aiming to build on their national team’s strong foundation.
“Jokic and Bogdanovic lead Serbia to victory over Germany for ð¥! #Paris2024 Jokic: 19 PTS, 12 REB, 11 AST Bogdanovic: 16 PTS, 3 3PM, 6-12 FG pic.twitter.com/PtYxVo2siz” —NBA, Official Twitter
Bogdanovic remains Serbia‘s all-time leading scorer and has garnered five international medals over the past decade, underscoring his ongoing impact alongside Jokic.
Looking Ahead: What Does Jokic’s Brilliance Mean for Denver?
Though the Nuggets are navigating an uncertain period following the firing of key management figures, Nikola Jokic’s exceptional talent provides a strong foundation for the franchise’s future. His sustained elite play suggests the team’s potential to recover and contend in the 2025-26 season. Denver’s ability to build around Jokic’s versatile skills will be crucial as they seek to go beyond the second playoff round for the first time in recent memory.
The ongoing partnership between Jokic and Bogdanovic on both the NBA and international levels highlights the continued influence these stars have on basketball worldwide. As the Nuggets regroup, their superstar’s brilliance offers optimism amidst the challenges ahead.