Denver’s preseason twist features Jokic at power forward paired with Jonas Valanciunas in a two‑big look. The early sample was rocky—five possessions, four points, 80 offensive rating—but Adelman stresses it’s a Band‑Aid moment to test spacing and timing. The experiment leans on high‑low action, with Watson, Braun and Strawther providing length and drive to mix with the bigs.

Defensively, Adelman explores a zone with both centers at the bottom, aiming to angle rotations and protect against interior mismatches. The plan mirrors Houston’s Sengun–Adams template but remains a work in progress as Denver dials in how to space and execute with this unconventional frontline.

Russell Westbrook is unsigned as the NBA season opens. Strong mutual interest with the Sacramento Kings surfaces, given their need for a reserve point guard and Westbrook’s playoff-energy. The fit hinges on money and roster moves; Sacramento could slot him behind Dennis Schroder, with Malik Monk as a secondary ball handler and Devin Carter waiting in the wings. The deal would reshape bench scoring and pace, but tax implications and potential end-of-season moves loom large.

Westbrook's history with Sabonis, Schroder, DeRozan and LaVine is noted, and the Kings are seen as open to bold moves that could involve DeRozan, LaVine or Sabonis if the price is right. A basketball-chemistry bet sits against the risk of aging efficiency and defensive gaps. The unknowns will test whether Westbrook fits Sacramento's late-season plan or if another avenue emerges.

Meanwhile, Westbrook’s saga threads through Denver and a playoff clash with Aaron Gordon, adding context to his candidacy as a high-energy bench piece. The season will reveal if the money and roles align, or if the waiting game extends into the start of the year.

Denver reshapes its roster to maximize Jokic’s prime, shipping Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson and adding Valanciunas, Brown, and Hardaway Jr. to deepen the rotation behind the MVP. Gordon signals a renewed defensive emphasis as the team leans on depth to ride out regular-season grind and keep Jokic fresh for postseason battles.

The newfound depth should ease Gordon’s burden and reduce heavy minutes on Jokic, while giving the Nuggets more lineups that can attack in multiple ways. With a healthier, more versatile squad, Denver aims to maintain elite performance from its core and navigate playoff rotations without blunting the star power at the center.

In short, Denver bets that a deeper bench and improved length translate to more sustainable success, fewer late-season drops, and a true title-ready run behind Jokic and a now more complete supporting cast.