Former Denver Nuggets coach George Karl has openly criticized the team’s management, arguing that they are failing to surround Nikola Jokic with a championship-level roster. According to Karl, while Jokic is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, the organization risks wasting his prime years by not providing him with the right supporting cast. He expressed concern over the team’s reliance on young, inexperienced players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, noting that they lack the veteran presence needed to compete at the highest level.
Karl pointed to the Golden State Warriors as an example, who surrounded Stephen Curry with proven players like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. This roster construction, combined with Curry’s talent, allowed the Warriors to dominate the NBA for years. In contrast, the Nuggets’ current roster appears shallow, and Karl believes the team’s reliance on unproven talent might not be enough to sustain a deep playoff run.
Additionally, Karl hinted at internal issues between the coaching staff and the front office, especially regarding the failure to retain key players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a crucial 3-and-D presence during their championship run. These concerns raise questions about whether the Nuggets are fully capitalizing on Jokic’s generational talent.
Ultimately, Karl’s critique serves as a warning that Denver must act quickly to maintain their championship window. Without bolstering their roster with experienced players and solving internal conflicts, the Nuggets could squander their opportunity to build a dynasty around Jokic. The time to act is now, as Jokic’s prime won’t last forever.
