NBA Exec: Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić Will Be Run ‘Into the Ground’ amid Heavy Workload

The Denver Nuggets’ handling of center Nikola Jokić could be something that shrinks his prime, at least in the eyes of one NBA executive.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that others around the NBA are concerned with Jokic’s significant usage and that the team could “run him into the ground” if they continue to operate the same way.

“The only way they are going to win is if Murray is really good,” a rival executive Shelburne.

“Joker is the best player in the world, but they’re going to run him into the ground if he keeps playing this much.”

Jokic is averaging 39.0 minutes per game thus far in 2024-25 and is the key cog of Denver’s play style. He is averaging 31.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists in four games this season.

Denver has gotten off to a 2-2 start and is just two seasons removed from an NBA Championship.

The team reached the Western Conference semifinals during the 2023-24 campaign and is considered to be a prominent contender alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, among others.

Still, relying so heavily on Jokić could make the team one-dimensional, and struggles from guard Jamal Murray and others are not helping relieve any pressure from the 29-year-old