Nikola Jokic Unveils Surprising Shift That’s Transforming the Nuggets This Season

Ever notice how some teams suddenly flip the script and leave you wondering, “Wait—did they finally crack the code?” That’s the vibe buzzing around the Denver Nuggets this season. After years of fans pleading for a sturdier, smarter roster—like a clumsy chef finally swapping out soggy veggies for fresh, crisp ones—the Nuggets’ front office seems to have heeded the call. Now, with the team sitting pretty as the Western Conference’s second-best squad, Nikola Jokic isn’t shy about spilling the beans on the secret sauce: a bench loaded with savvy veterans who get their roles and bring a calming presence. Could this revamped depth be the missing puzzle piece pushing Denver closer to the NBA Finals? Let’s dive into how Bruce Brown and Jonas Valančiūnas are quietly turning heads and transforming a one-man show into a collective powerhouse.

Golden State Warriors v Denver Nuggets — (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)

For the last several years, Denver Nuggets fans have been demanding that the front office put effort into building a better, deeper, more reliable roster. They finally listened and got to work over the summer, and their changes seem to be working.

The Nuggets are currently the second-best team in the Western Conference. Following their win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, Nikola Jokic talked about what makes his squad different this year.

“The bench unit. It’s a lot of veterans. A lot of guys who care, who know how to play, know what their role is. And we have advantages in multiple positions. Bruce and Jonas were the most impactful in the second unit. They give us calmness,” Jokic said.

Asked Nikola Jokic about the biggest difference for his team this year through 11 games

Jokic: "The bench unit. It's a lot of veterans. A lot of guys who care, who know how to play… know what their role is. And we have advantages in multiple positions." pic.twitter.com/QqQEIqH4gP

— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) November 13, 2025

Jokic is referencing Bruce Brown and Jonas Valančiūnas. During Wednesday’s game, Brown chipped in two points and four rebounds, while Valančiūnas delivered eight points, three rebounds, and a block.

Those two were big acquisitions during the summer and proof that the Nuggets were attempting to improve the roster built around Jokic. For many years, Denver has thrived or struggled based solely on Jokic, and it has clearly and understandably been his team alone.

But most people agree that the Nuggets will only return to the NBA Finals if the lineup around Jokic is better, especially in the frontcourt. Valančiūnas is a proven big man, and Brown already had a deep chemistry with Denver because he previously played with them.

The Nuggets are functioning better than they have in years. Jokic has taken notice, but he’s not the only one.

The post Nikola Jokic Reveals Biggest Difference With Nuggets This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.