Nuggets’ uneven start exposes how much they still need from Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets have a three-time MVP. They also have a problem if he plays like anything less than one.

That’s the concern outlined by ESPN’s Ben Golliver, who examined how Nikola Jokic’s uneven start has exposed the limitations around him.

Denver is 4-3, including 0-3 against teams with winning records. Jokic is averaging 23.4 points and remains the only NBA player averaging at least 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

For most players, that’s a tremendous start. For the Nuggets, apparently, it needs to be better.

Jokic is shooting 50.4% from the field and 21.9% on threes through seven games. Golliver notes that he’s taking a smaller share of his shots near the basket, with his offensive rebounding and free-throw rates also down.

Wednesday offered a reminder of what he can do: 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a blowout win over Toronto.

Coach David Adelman isn’t particularly interested in questioning Jokic’s ability to sustain that.

“This is a six-game sample size of one of the most efficient offensive basketball players that’s ever lived,” Adelman said after Monday’s loss to Portland. “I’ll die on that sword.”

That said, the bigger concern is how little room Denver has for an ordinary Jokic night.

According to Golliver, the Nuggets’ bench ranks 28th in scoring and 23rd in net rating. Even with Jamal Murray playing well, the offense sits 11th.

“It’s too much responsibility for [Jokic and Murray],” Adelman said. “I have extreme trust in the others. They have to have trust in themselves.”

Seven games won’t define Jokic’s season. But they’ve reinforced a familiar issue. Basically, Denver still needs him to cover an awful lot of weaknesses.