Last season, one of the most talked-about NBA storylines was how former Nuggets GM Tim Connelly, after moving to the Minnesota Timberwolves, built a team specifically designed to challenge Denver’s dominance. Connelly, who was responsible for assembling the Nuggets’ championship core, departed for Minnesota in 2022.
Upon joining the Timberwolves, Connelly recognized that to compete with the Nuggets, he needed a roster capable of containing Denver’s star player, Nikola Jokic. In response, he orchestrated the acquisition of Rudy Gobert, pairing him with Karl-Anthony Towns. Along with Naz Reid coming off the bench, Minnesota ensured they always had two bigs on the floor—one to challenge Jokic directly and another to protect the rim.
The strategy worked. In an intense seven-game playoff series, the Timberwolves stifled the Nuggets with their size, using Towns and Reid to physically confront Jokic, while Gobert served as a defensive anchor. The Wolves’ game plan was effective, though costly, and few teams possess the personnel needed to replicate their big-man approach.
Oklahoma City Thunder Attempt to Follow Suit
At least one other team is looking to adopt the Timberwolves’ blueprint—enter the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last season, OKC claimed the top seed in the Western Conference but fell to the Mavericks in the second round. Their major weakness was a lack of size in the frontcourt, a vulnerability they addressed in the offseason by signing free-agent center Isaiah Hartenstein.
Hartenstein, a key defensive and rebounding presence for the Knicks last year, now joins a deep and talented Thunder roster. With him, OKC can deploy a larger lineup to combat Denver, using Hartenstein to match up with Jokic, while allowing Chet Holmgren to roam as a rim protector. This combination of size and versatility echoes the Timberwolves’ approach but with a deeper supporting cast.
While there’s no guarantee it will work, the message is clear: size matters in the NBA, and teams like the Timberwolves and Thunder are betting big on that fact. The Nuggets must be prepared for an onslaught of size-focused strategies aimed at neutralizing their MVP.
Serbian Talent to Denver? Vasilije Micic’s Decision Ends Rumors
Following Team Serbia’s impressive run at the Paris Olympics, rumors swirled that some Serbian players might join Nikola Jokic in Denver. Players like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Jovic, and Vasilije Micic have all made their mark in the NBA to varying degrees. Though none are considered stars, they’ve each found success and raised expectations of a Serbian pipeline into the league.
Vasilije Micic, a 30-year-old point guard, was one player who seemed a natural fit for the Nuggets after showing great chemistry with Jokic during international play. Despite being new to the NBA, Micic demonstrated playmaking and shooting abilities, sparking speculation that he might be a future addition to Denver’s roster.
Traded midseason from the Thunder to the Charlotte Hornets, Micic’s role with a rebuilding Hornets squad appeared uncertain. Many expected him to be dealt once again, with some hoping he’d reunite with Jokic in Denver.
Vasilije Micic Squashes Trade Rumors, Stays with the Hornets
In a recent press conference in Serbia, Micic put an end to the rumors. While acknowledging the interest, he confirmed he’ll be staying with Charlotte for now. This statement shuts down speculation of a reunion with Jokic, at least for the time being. Of course, in the ever-changing NBA landscape, trades can happen at any moment, and Micic’s future could still shift.
As the Nuggets gear up for the season with training camp around the corner, their roster looks set, with no imminent trades on the horizon. Fans can continue dreaming of Jokic playing alongside his Serbian compatriots, but for now, it’s just that—a dream for another day.
Leave a Reply