FEBRUARY 2024

Dear Nikola, 

You have now been a Denver Nugget for 9 years, 8 months, 3 days, and counting, but that doesn't compare to the impact you have had on not only me, personally, but the entire Denver and NBA community. You are one-of-one; a unicorn, a black sheep, a generational talent, a real role model for children to look up to. I can't relate, nor comprehend how any individual can have something bad to say about you when all you want to do is win, race horses, and spend time with your family. You've never had any issue off the court, not as much as a parking ticket, and the only conflict that you've had with other players came from your opponents barking up the wrong tree, and you putting them in their place. The Joker is a perfect nickname for such a mesmerizing player as you, as we learn new ways each night how many ways you can gash your opponent- the true definition of a wild card. Joker, you not only have a prodigious scoring bag, but you see the floor like no other big man I have seen before. The floor IQ and ability you possess to know where everyone is at all times on the court is second-to-none, and you are an absolute rebound merchant. I urge all of you who read this piece to go and look at the endless highlights of the Joker being the most magnificent thing to happen to Denver in decades. The pride of our sports rests on your shoulders, just below where the crown of Denver resides. You are the King of Denver. I have never really drawn a liking to the NBA and it was because of the personality of the players and the way the league has declined since the likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. But, you, Nikola, you have brought the passion and exhiliration that I once had for basketball as a child back into fruition. I can't explain what it is like watching you perform, but it is nothing short of the finest arts our world has to offer. You have turned a sport into an art form and you have transcended your play style into a paradox that even the greatets basketball minds have trouble comprehending. I can't think of the word to express my gratitude that you play for my favorite NBA team and you have cemented a legacy in Colorado that will never be forgotten. Thank you for choosing Denver, we love you more than you will ever know. 

Englewood, CO-- While Nikola Jokic may be starting to get even half of the media attention he deserves, his teammates are getting the ultimate disrespect from the NBA and its fans. This is now the second year in a row where the Joker will fly alone ands participate in NBA All Star weekend as a lone wolf. No Jamal, no MPJ, no Aaron Gordon, and no KCP. Not to mention, Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther were left out of the Rising Stars Challenge, despite both men playing above expectation to start the season. It seems as if this Denver Nuggets team has been fighting for their respect since their devastating series loss to the Golden State Warriors in 2021. One stat that that will never sit right with me is Nikola Jokic is the first NBA player to win the regular season MVP without having any teammates named to the All-Star game. Let me tell you Joker and Nuggets haters something- we don't want, or need your respect. The Denver Nuggets have THE best player in the world and you can't argue that the Nuggets starting 5 isn't amongst the most elite in the NBA. Yet, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon have never been teammates with the Joker at the All Star Game. The Nuggets slander is going to continue to grow as we get better, and I am sorry, but not sorry, but the Nuggets are a dynasty. Nikola Jokic will win the MVP again this year and the Denver Nuggets will win the NBA Finals again. Mark. My. Words. 

JANUARY 2024

Centennial, CO--In what was another very calculated move from the All-Star center and former MVP, Joel Embiid sat and watched as his fellow 76er teammates fell 111-105 to the Denver Nuggets in Ball Arena on Saturday night. Nikola Jokic turned in another sparkling stat line recording yet another double-double in a 26 point, 16 rebound effort, but arguably had it come relatively easier than most nights with Philadelphia's big man watching from the locker room. Nearly immediately into the game, one could tell how uneasy both Denver and Philly fans were at the absence of #21, as amplified chants of "Where's Embiid at?" over-powered even ABC network's broadcast. Since the last minute scratch, the NBA has launched an investigation into the Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the entire situation that unfolded in Denver. What we do know, is Embiid was in attendance on Saturday night, and finally showed face in the third quarter when he was obliterated with boos from Ball Arena. The 29-year-old then proceeded to egg on the Denver crowd while his team discussed strategy during a television timeout. In what many are categorizing a classless act from Embiid, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was not surprised by the NBA's decision(s), stating "I don't know how you go from being active, and available, to out, I'm sure the league will do their due diligence, because that's frowned upon. We've had situations this year where we talked to the league, and if we have a player that goes from active to out, there's going to be an investigation. I'm sure that'll happen." When it comes down to it, this isn't the first time that a speculated injury is the reason Joel Embiid sits out the always anticipated matchup between two of the NBA's biggest stars. This debacle has stirred the social media world into a discussion forum of Embiid's character and credibility,with Nuggets, 76ers, and other avid NBA fans chipping in their two cents. All the while, Nikola Jokic remains unbothered by everything and this is something you have to love Nikola Jokic for; I know if it were the other way around, the ruthless Philadelphia basketball fans would be berating Jokic. I will try to continue to update to this post for news and information on the NBA's investigation, but I wouldn't hold your breath, these things happen in the NBA at a stunning rate and Joel Embiid sells a lot of tickets, it's a shame he never shows up for his fans on the road. 

Englewood, CO-- Mike Malone menacingly told the media after Denver's 13-point-loss, that perhaps the Nuggets never emerge victorious out of Salt Lake City because of the nightlife. It sure seemed as if the Nuggets were hitting the town on Tuesday night as Wednesday they became the third straight victim to the Jazz' win streak. The Jazz had one their previous two games heading into Wednesday night and they kept it rolling due to the solid performances from the Jazz starting unit. Jordan Clarkson led the scoring for Utah with 27 points while finding 9 fellow Jazz for assists, and Lauri Markkanen collected 12 rebounds on his way to a 26-point night. Collin Sexton tallied 22 points and eventually ended up nailing the dagger into the Nuggets with a late three-pointer late In the fourth quarter, forcing Mike Malone to take out starters.  

As for Denver, Nikola Jokic turned in another spectacular performance going for 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists in the loss. The final score was accurately reflective of how the game went for both sides with Utah shooting above 50% from the field and capitalizing on the Nuggets' sloppy defense in the paint. Moach did not seem too flustered by the loss on the road, nor should he be as the Nuggets still sit atop the rankings in the Western Conference. The defending champs will look to avenge a shaky performance with a bounce-back win at home when they face the Pelicans late Friday night.