In recent discussions surrounding the Denver Nuggets, a notable comment by team president Josh Kroenke sparked speculation about the future of star center Nikola Jokic. However, Nuggets Vice President Ben Tenzer quickly set the record straight, emphasizing that Jokic is not on the trading block and that any misinterpretations of Kroenke’s statements should be clarified.
During a Twitter exchange, Ryan Blackburn posed a question to Tenzer regarding whether anyone had reached out to Jokic following Kroenke’s remarks. Tenzer responded firmly, urging fans and media to revisit Kroenke’s original quote. “I would just urge you to listen to the quote again,” Tenzer stated. “If you listen to it, you will realize that Josh didn’t say that, and we would never trade Nikola.”
This reassurance from Tenzer comes at a time when Jokic’s value is at an all-time high, following his impressive performances that have solidified his status as one of the league’s elite players. As a three-time NBA MVP, Jokic has become the cornerstone of the Nuggets’ franchise, and trading him would not only be a major shock to fans but also detrimental to the team’s aspirations.
The Nuggets have built their roster around Jokic, and the organization is focused on maximizing his potential. Tenzer’s comments reflect the team’s commitment to keeping their star player and continuing to develop a competitive roster that can contend for championships.
In addition to addressing the trade rumors, Tenzer also highlighted the unique approach the Nuggets are taking with their front office, emphasizing a co-partnership model between himself and Jonathan Wallace, the other executive vice president. This strategy is designed to leverage their individual strengths to elevate the organization and build a championship-caliber team around Jokic.
Kroenke himself acknowledged the unconventional path the Nuggets have taken, particularly in how they acquired Jokic as the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. “Most everything that has gotten us to this point has been unorthodox,” he said during a recent press conference. “Our best player (Jokic) is the 41st pick — in a very unorthodox manner, the way he plays the game. So everything about us is unorthodox.”
As the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on supporting Jokic and surrounding him with the right pieces to ensure sustained success. The organization is committed to exploring various options for roster improvement while maintaining their core identity centered around their superstar.
With Jokic at the helm, the Nuggets are poised to continue their pursuit of greatness in the NBA. Fans can rest assured that the organization values their star player and is dedicated to building a championship-contending team that can thrive in the competitive landscape of the league.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how the Nuggets navigate their roster decisions while keeping Jokic’s best interests at heart. The clarity from Tenzer serves as a reminder of the franchise’s commitment to its star and the aspirations of the team moving forward.