After a challenging preseason that saw them finish with a 1-4 record, the Denver Nuggets have started the regular season with a balanced 2-2 record. However, fans and star player Nikola Jokic are eager for the team to return to its championship-caliber form.

Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Kendrick Perkins (Images Credit: Getty Images)

Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins has recently shared his thoughts on the Nuggets’ title aspirations this season, and he isn’t holding back. Perkins doubted the team’s chances of contending for a championship, explicitly calling out Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. for not supporting Jokic.

“Does this Denver Nuggets team look like a championship contender? Hell no. When are Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. going to take that leap to help Nikola Jokic? Jamal Murray hasn’t done anything since the 2023 NBA Finals,” said Perkins.

Murray is averaging 18.8 points in four games. Perkins believes that to be a true contender, Murray needs to elevate his game.

“The thing about this is that 30 points is the new norm in today’s game. So you going out averaging 20, 22 points, that’s really not going to get it done,” he added.

Nikola Jokic Praises Russell Westbrook’s Performance in Nuggets’ Win Over Nets

Nikola Jokic’s team is coming off with an overtime win against the Nets. After the Nuggets’ recent victory, Nikola Jokic took a moment to express his admiration for Russell Westbrook, who scored 22 points, one rebound, and five assists.

“Russ was really amazing. In the third or fourth quarter—I don’t know—he kept us in the game. He was pushing the pace, made a couple of shots; he was really good today,” Jokic said.

This victory is significant for the Nuggets, marking their second consecutive win after starting the season with two back-to-back losses. The Nuggets will face the Minnesota Timberwolves this Friday.