Denver Nuggets: 3 reasons they’re legitimate contenders

3. Nikola Jokic elevates everyone

Nikola Jokic doesn’t get the publicity that a lot of the other NBA stars do, but he’s a borderline top-five MVP candidate. He can fit in just about any situation, but he’s at the height of his powers in Denver. The roster has been constructed to surround him with shooters and cutters that he can hit with his elite passes from all over the floor. He plays a role similar to LeBron James where everything works off of him, and it works perfectly.

Jamal Murray, Will Barton and Gary Harris are good players, but Jokic helps them reach that next level that they couldn’t reach on their own. Not only does he help elevate their stars and starters, but he can help elevate their bench units. Among the Nuggets’ five-man lineups with at least 100 minutes played, Jokic is featured in three out of the top five lineups, which includes being in both of the top two lineups.

When the playoffs start, they’ll be relying on Jokic heavily to help the team, especially on the offensive end of the floor. He helps put their shooters in the spots they need to be successful, and when the team staggers him apart from the rest of the starters, he has to help bring the bench unit up. He’s had no problem doing that this year, and with days to rest in between each playoff game helping with his fatigue, he should keep that up in the playoffs.