West Notes: Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Jazz, Walker Kessler, Spurs

Nuggets

Nikola Jokic doesn’t mind that Oklahoma City has become the NBA’s trendy pick. The two-time Finals MVP said Friday that he’s fine flying under the radar.

“Hopefully we can be the silent … how do you say it? … the silent knight. Silent horse. Dark horse,” Jokic said, via The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando.

Jokic also described the Nuggets’ preseason focus as being “close to a foul,” testing the officials to call it.

Coach David Adelman called it “junking it up” — a way to keep opponents uncomfortable as Denver looks to reclaim its edge after adding some depth this offseason.

Jazz

Utah and center Walker Kessler have no momentum toward an extension, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. The Jazz could revisit talks next summer, when Kessler is eligible for restricted free agency.

There’s still trade buzz around the 24-year-old big man. The Lakers have been linked to him before, and Fischer adds that the Suns also weighed a move for Kessler before acquiring Mark Williams.

The Jazz appear content to wait, but the question is how long. If Kessler’s asking price remains high, or if a good offer comes in, Utah could decide to move sooner rather than later.

Spurs

Analysts Tim Legler and Adam Mares of the ALL NBA podcast have San Antonio pegged for around 44 wins and a first-round ceiling, via SB Nation. That might sound modest, but it’s progress.

The Spurs hovered near the play-in race last year before injuries to Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox halted momentum. This time, they’re deeper and more balanced, with veterans Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk joining a rotation that also includes rising defenders like Stephon Castle and Carter Bryant.

The pairing of Fox and Wembanyama could become special once healthy. Wemby’s catch-and-shoot game continues to rise — 37.7 percent on those looks last season — and Fox’s pace and passing should only make him more dangerous.

San Antonio hasn’t won a playoff series in nearly a decade. That could change soon, but only if the Spurs turn all this optimism into wins.