Latest news with #NikolaJokic
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement
Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Denver Nuggets' 2024-25 campaign concluded with a hard-fought seven-game series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite a valiant effort, the Nuggets were unable to overcome the Thunder's youth, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Advertisement Despite being far from their best at times this season, the series highlighted the competitive spirit of the Nuggets, who pushed the top-seeded Thunder to the brink. Central to Denver's success was Nikola Jokic, who delivered another MVP-caliber season. Over 70 regular-season games, Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, and finished top three in all three major stats. However, Jokic wasn't the only center for the Nuggets this season. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and center DeAndre Jordan (6)Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Three-time All-NBA team member DeAndre Jordan just completed his 17th NBA and third in Denver. Serving as a seasoned presence off the bench, Jordan contributed 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 65.0% from the field over 56 appearances. Advertisement Following the season's end, Jordan took to Instagram where he announced he is not retiring, and will return for an 18th NBA season. "Season 17 in the books," he began. "Man, can't say enough how grateful I am for this team, this city, and everyone who supported us along the way. Playing this game never gets old, and doing it with this group made it even more meaningful. Big love to the Mile High fans, y'all brought the energy every night. And to my friends, family, and everyone who's been in my corner thank you for the love. PS: this isn't a retirement post!" Denver Nuggets center Deandre Jordan posts on / Instagram Jordan's career began in 2008 when he was drafted 35th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. Over a decade with the Clippers, he became the franchise leader in games played, rebounds, and blocks. His tenure included stints with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets, where he won a championship in 2023. Advertisement When Jordan was released by the Lakers in 2022, there was speculation that could be the end of his NBA career. Instead, he went on to join the 76ers and ultimately Denver where he has spent the last three seasons. Related: Lakers Fans Excited Over LeBron James, Luka Doncic News Related: NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Major Kiyan Anthony News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
David Adelman is the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets, and the players are the reason why
What's next for the Denver Nuggets after falling to Oklahoma City in second round? | The Kevin O'Connor Show Kevin O'Connor & Dane Moore react to the Denver Nuggets falling in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. After a tumultuous season which saw head coach Michael Malone fired with only weeks to go in the regular season and a shallow roster beyond stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray -- what moves should Denver make to not repeat the same mistakes of 2025? Hear the full conversation on 'The Kevin O'Connor Show' and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. 3:10 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins first NBA MVP award
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar guard who led his team to the NBA's best record, was named the league's most valuable player during Wednesday's "NBA on TNT Pregame Show." Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, is the third Thunder player to win the MVP. Kevin Durant took home the honors in 2014 and Russell Westbrook won it in 2017. Advertisement It's the seventh consecutive season a foreign-born player has won the award, as Gilgeous-Alexander is a native of Canada. ANALYSIS: Why Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should win NBA MVP OPINION: Slow start doesn't shake Shai: Thunder star struts MVP moxie in Game 1 ESPN first reported the news. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder won 68 regular-season games, including going 29-1 against the Eastern Conference, winning games by an average of 12.9 points per game and outscoring their opponents by 1,055 points. Gilgeous-Alexander also won his first scoring title, averaging 32.1 points per game, including a streak where he scored 20 or more points in 72 consecutive games. He also averaged five rebounds and a career-high 6.4 assists, and his value was not only on the offensive end but defensively as well, as Oklahoma City was first in defensive rating and third in offensive rating. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander finished ahead of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who won the award last season. Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, finishing in the top three in each category, while leading the league in performance efficiency rating. Jokic recorded an NBA-high 34 triple-doubles this season and is the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, joining Oscar Robertson and Westbrook. Gilgeous-Alexander received 71 first-place votes (worth 10 points) and 29 second-place votes (worth seven points) to win the award with 913 points. Jokic received the other 29 first-place votes and 71 second-place votes to finish with 787 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished in third (470 points), marking the seventh consecutive year he's finished in the top four. Jayson Tatum placed fourth (311 points) and Donovan Mitchell rounded out the top five (74 points). A two-time first-team All-NBA performer, Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible to sign a four-year, $293 million supermax extension this summer. He made $35.8 million this year, and is scheduled to take home $38.3 million and $40.8 million in the final two years of his current contract, which he signed in 2021. NBA MVP voting Check out the full voting totals below: Watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP See the moment Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named the 2024-25 NBA MVP, and what he said: Editor's note: The NBA MVP award is voted on by 100 members of the media, chosen by the league. Voting takes place before the postseason. USA TODAY Sports reporter Jeff Zillgitt has a vote. Advertisement The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. (This story has been updated with new information). This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder guard, wins NBA MVP
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nuggets Trade Rumors Get Unexpected Update Before Offseason
The Denver Nuggets fell just short in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. After firing long-time head coach Michael Malone with only a few regular season games remaining, David Adelman helped the Nuggets take the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder seven games deep. Advertisement It's clear the Nuggets can still compete at a high level with their current squad -- even with an interim head coach at the helm -- though changes will need to be made. Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP winner and NBA champion, provides an elite building block for any franchise. The Nuggets will need to capitalize on his greatness by making the necessary tweaks. Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) and center Nikola Jokic (15).© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images One player who was in the spotlight during the playoffs was Michael Porter Jr. He struggled to make any real impact in the playoffs. Chatter emerged regarding Denver's roster and pending changes this offseason. However, a recent unexpected update could lend a hand in what the club is planning to do this offseason, as reported by Sam Amico. Advertisement 'So even Nikola Jokic as the main man, the Nuggets still need help. Sources say they're hesitant to part ways with core members of their 2023 championship team — Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and now, Christian Braun. Obviously, Jokic isn't going anywhere," Amico reported. Jokic being untradable is quite obvious. He's a generational talent and, unless Nico Harrison is involved, those types of players don't get dealt without forcing a trade. Aaron Gordon has been brilliant in his role alongside Jokic and the squad. Outside of that duo -- and maybe Christian Braun -- any Nuggets player should be available for trade. With a fresh head coach and general manager, Denver shouldn't be scared to make moves if it means more of a chance to compete with Jokic in his prime.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
New Nuggets coach David Adelman wants his team in tip-top condition and open to ideas
Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray was located in the back of the room and so he heard the message first-hand from new Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman . Same with Julian Strawther, who took a seat in the front row. For the players not in attendance at Adelman's introductory news conference Wednesday, a quick recap: Adelman wants everyone in even better condition and open to new ideas come training camp. Because the Western Conference won't be getting any easier, Adelman insisted. It's up to the Nuggets to adjust behind a roster that revolves around three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Adelman wants his players to have a big voice, too, just like they did after he took over following the firing of coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with three games left in the regular season. 'New ideas are good ideas,' Adelman said. 'I have to give them something to come back to that excites them.' Adelman earned the promotion from interim to full-time head coach after a postseason run that saw the Nuggets get to a Game 7 against Oklahoma City in the second round before being knocked out of the playoffs. This with a thin bench and an injury-hampered starting five. Now, the work begins to put his own stamp on directing the Nuggets. He's gathered a wealth of knowledge through an array of NBA coaching mentors such as his father Rick Adelman, Sam Mitchell, Frank Vogel, the late Flip Saunders and, of course, Malone. 'Very prepared,' Adelman said of his level of readiness. 'When you're around those people and you see how they run their business and their process, it's kind of a cheat code.' Fitness, Adelman maintained, will be a key to a fast start — and health come playoff time. 'Teams that get off to great starts usually at the end of the year have the best chance of being healthy in these big games,' explained Adelman, who's working on rounding out his coaching staff. 'But, yeah, that will be the expectation to come back in much better shape.' One of the areas the Nuggets aim to address in the offseason is depth. The Nuggets ran out of steam in the Thunder series after beating the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games to advance out of the first round. 'Can they achieve that (championship goal) as currently constructed? I think the answer, as (Jokic) said after the playoffs, and it was obviously no,' Kroenke Sports & Entertainment vice chairman Josh Kroenke said. 'So we need to take a hard look at how we can raise our ceiling going forward, whether that's internally or externally. 'If you look at the teams still playing ... with a little bit of help, maybe a little bit of luck, maybe it could be us. But it's not. We're very conscious of that and how we need to go about improving.' Kroenke shocked the league last month when he fired Malone, the winningest coach in franchise history, and Booth after they helped bring home the franchise's first NBA title in 2023. It was Kroenke's way to rejuvenate the team's energy heading into the postseason. Next up for Kroenke, hiring a new GM. For now, Ben Tenzer is overseeing the role on an interim basis. The plan, Kroenke said, is to bring bring Adelman into the GM process at some point. 'The input will be relatively minimal,' Kroenke said, 'because what I'll be looking for is cohesion between those two.' Added Adelman of the GM: 'This business is about cohesion. It's all about just moving forward and winning. That's it. It's not about finding your best friend.' The Nuggets don't have a pick in the upcoming NBA draft. It may prove challenging to add depth without breaking up the core of Jokic, Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun. That's where Denver's youth factors in and improvement from the likes of Strawther, Peyton Watson, Jalen Pickett and DaRon Holmes II, a first-round selection last year who tore an Achilles tendon in NBA Summer League. 'We're hungry to get better,' Strawther said. 'It's all fuel to the fire.' As for the style of play, Adelman will add some wrinkles but defense will always be an important principle. 'We have to get back to being an execution-based team,' Adelman said. 'If that takes away some of our pace numbers, or whatever the analytics want to say, I think that's OK if it wins you a game in May, as opposed to playing a game in December. 'The majority of the time, if you want to win big, you've got to play slow. You've got to be efficient. You've got to be clean. So that will be things we'll talk about throughout the summer, going to training camp.' ___ AP NBA:
