A Shocking Prospect: What If Nikola Jokić Had Retired?

This offseason has been filled with discussions about Nikola Jokić's dedication to basketball, especially after emotional reactions surrounding his horse's victory were juxtaposed against his subdued celebrations post-2023 Finals win. Recent comments from former teammate DeMarcus Cousins have ignited speculations about whether basketball truly is just one of Jokić's passions, rather than his primary focus.

Cousins suggested that Jokić, at one time, might have considered stepping away from the game entirely. While it is hard to fathom that Jokić would have left the NBA, especially prior to signing a lucrative contract extension in 2022, it evokes an intriguing “what if” scenario that could have drastically altered the landscape of professional basketball.

The MVP Debate Altered

Before signing an extension worth millions, fans might recall that Jokić was already a two-time MVP. Hypothetically, if he had chosen to retire before the 2022 offseason, the outcomes of subsequent MVP races would have been heavily influenced. Many analysts surmise that without Jokić in the mix, players like Joel Embiid and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could have secured their awards more easily.

Furthermore, over Jokić’s seven seasons leading up to 2022, the Denver Nuggets experienced a significant positive point differential with him on the court. Without him, the franchise may have struggled to remain competitive, possibly resulting in a complete rebuild and knocking them out of playoff contention in the loaded Western Conference.

Impact on the Nuggets and the League

Jokić’s presence on the court has shaped not only his team but the league at large. His performances against formidable opponents like the Los Angeles Lakers during the playoffs highlighted his importance. In the 2023 postseason, Jokić averaged remarkable statistics that led the Nuggets to their historic NBA championship—a feat that could have been different without him.

While debates about legendary players often revolve around championships, Jokić’s potential absence from the game could have sparked more titles for stars like LeBron James. If the Lakers had capitalized on that landscape, the narrative around LeBron and the GOAT discussion would be significantly altered.

A Future Rewritten

In essence, Jokić stepping away from the game would not only have shifted team strategies across the league but would have left his legacy questioned, altering his rankings among NBA greats. Although the future is unpredictable, it’s evident that Jokić’s contributions are pivotal to both the Nuggets and the enduring story of the NBA.