Nuggets Updates: Pickett Shines, Jokic Impresses, Kerr’s Praise, Westbrook Struggles….
Jalen Pickett has played a significant role for the Nuggets early this month, averaging 11.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.3 rebounds across 30.3 minutes in the first three games. Impressively, he went turnover-free in two of those outings. “He’s earned our trust,” said head coach Michael Malone, as reported by Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. Pickett, a second-round pick in 2023, inked a four-year deal with Denver last July.
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Nikola Jokic, often hailed for his offensive brilliance, is also making a name as a defensive force, according to ESPN’s Chris Herring and Tim MacMahon. He’s led the league in defensive box plus-minus over the past three seasons and is in contention to do so again. Warriors forward Draymond Green noted Jokic’s growth: “He realized he couldn’t be a defensive liability if they wanted to win it all. Now he’s a defensive anchor.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also shared high praise for Jokic, per Eurohoops.net: “You can’t really compare across generations, but he’s the best center I’ve ever seen. I played against Kareem for a year—he couldn’t do everything Jokic can. Beyond skill, it’s his smarts and competitive fire that make him extraordinary.”
Meanwhile, with Jamal Murray out due to a hamstring issue, Russell Westbrook struggled in Friday’s loss to Golden State, going just 2-for-9 from the field and committing four turnovers in 20 minutes. He also had some costly errors in the double-overtime loss to Minnesota earlier in the week. Tony Jones of The Athletic emphasizes that the Nuggets will need peak performance from Westbrook if they hope to go far in the playoffs.
