Let me be honest with you—when I first heard people talking about the Denver Nuggets as the next NBA dynasty, I raised an eyebrow. I’ve been watching the league long enough to know how rare true dynasties are. But the more I’ve watched this team, the more I’ve started to believe. I remember watching Nikola Jokić back in 2019, thinking, "This guy is different." And now, with a championship under their belt and a core that’s locked in, the Nuggets aren’t just contenders—they’re building something special.
One of the biggest factors in their favor is continuity. Look at the Golden State Warriors during their peak—they kept their core together for years. The Nuggets are doing the same. Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. have been playing together since 2018. That’s five seasons of chemistry, and it shows on the court. In today’s NBA, where player movement is constant, this kind of stability is almost unheard of. I’ve seen teams with more talent fall apart because they couldn’t build that trust. The Nuggets have it, and it’s paying off.
Then there’s Jokić himself. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say he’s one of the most unique players in NBA history. He’s not just a scorer or a rebounder—he’s the engine of the entire offense. Last season, he averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. Those numbers are ridiculous, but it’s his vision that sets him apart. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen him make a pass that left me speechless. It reminds me of something I once heard from a coach back in the Philippines, Yeng Guiao, who said, "Model namin si Jayson. Sinasabi ko, 'Tignan niyo maglaro 'yun. Marami kayong matututunan diyan.'" In English, that translates to, "We look up to Jayson. I tell my players, 'Watch him play. You’ll learn a lot from him.'" That’s exactly how I feel about Jokić. Young players everywhere should be studying his game.
But it’s not just Jokić. Jamal Murray’s playoff performances have been nothing short of legendary. In the 2023 Finals, he put up 21.4 points and 10 assists per game. When the pressure is on, he elevates his game. I’ve always believed that great players are defined by their ability to perform in the clutch, and Murray has proven he’s one of those guys. And let’s not forget Michael Porter Jr. When he’s healthy, he’s a walking bucket. His shooting splits of 48/41/80 last season are elite, and at 6'10", he’s a matchup nightmare for almost any team.
Another factor that often goes overlooked is coaching. Michael Malone has built a system that maximizes his players’ strengths. He’s not trying to fit square pegs into round holes. Instead, he’s crafted an offense that revolves around Jokić’s playmaking and Murray’s scoring. Defensively, the Nuggets have improved dramatically too. Last season, they ranked in the top 10 in defensive rating, which is impressive for a team known for its offense. I’ve seen coaches with more talent struggle to find that balance, but Malone has nailed it.
The front office deserves credit too. General Manager Calvin Booth has made some savvy moves, like signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and drafting Christian Braun. These role players might not get the headlines, but they’re essential. Caldwell-Pope shot 42% from three-point range last season, and Braun brought energy and defense off the bench. In the playoffs, those kinds of contributions make all the difference. I’ve seen dynasties fall apart because they neglected their bench, but the Nuggets seem to understand that depth matters.
Of course, there are challenges ahead. The Western Conference is stacked, with teams like the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers retooling their rosters. Injuries are always a concern, especially for a team that relies so heavily on its core. But if the Nuggets can stay healthy, I genuinely believe they have what it takes to win multiple championships in the next five years. They have the talent, the chemistry, and the coaching.
So, are the Denver Nuggets the next NBA dynasty? I think they’re on the right track. It’s not just about winning one title—it’s about sustaining success over time. And with Jokić still in his prime and the core locked up long-term, the pieces are in place. As someone who’s been watching the NBA for decades, I don’t throw the word "dynasty" around lightly. But this team has earned the right to be in that conversation.