Former Denver Nuggets coach George Karl has recently voiced his concerns about the team’s efforts to build a championship-caliber roster around their star player, Nikola Jokic. Karl, known for his candid opinions, took to social media to express his disappointment, drawing comparisons to how the Golden State Warriors built around Stephen Curry.
Karl’s main point of contention is that the Nuggets are not capitalizing on Jokic’s prime years.
“When a team has the fortune of landing a generational player, like Curry or Jokic, it should do all it can to capitalize on that player’s greatness – and win as many championships as possible,” Karl tweeted. “The Warriors did with Curry. Will the Nuggets with Jokic? It’s shaky right now.”
When a team has the fortune of landing a generational player, like Curry or Jokic, it should do all it can to capitalize on that player’s greatness – and win as many championships as possible.
The Warriors did with Curry. Will the Nuggets with Jokic? It’s shaky right now. pic.twitter.com/JkUgQt5umj
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) September 14, 2024
He highlighted the Warriors’ aggressive approach in surrounding Curry with top-tier talent, including bold moves in free agency and a willingness to pay luxury tax penalties to maintain a championship roster.
In contrast, the Nuggets have been more conservative in their spending and roster moves. After winning the championship in 2023, the team struggled to defend their title the following season, partly due to the departures of key role players like Bruce Brown and Jeff Green. This offseason, the losses of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson have further raised doubts about Denver’s championship potential.
Karl’s comparison to the Warriors is particularly striking. Golden State not only drafted and developed talent like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green but also made bold moves in free agency, such as acquiring Kevin Durant in 2016. This aggressive strategy helped the Warriors win multiple championships during Durant’s tenure.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, have been more hesitant to spend at a similar level. While they did acquire veteran Russell Westbrook, his best years are behind him, and he may not be the ideal fit for a team hoping to maximize Jokic’s championship window. The disparity in spending is evident, with Golden State’s luxury tax bill for the 2024 season projected to be $176.9 million, the highest in the NBA, while Denver’s combined luxury tax bills over the last two seasons are less than $40 million.
Karl’s comments echo the sentiments of many Nuggets fans who have been uneasy with the team’s moves over the past couple of offseasons. As the Nuggets navigate the challenges of building a championship roster, the pressure is on to ensure they make the most of Jokic’s prime years and avoid squandering the opportunity to build a dynasty around their generational talent.
