It’s no secret different teams are loading up in the Western Conference via free agency this offseason. This prompted former NBA coach George Karl to warn the Denver Nuggets to keep up or get left behind.
The previous season was a challenging one for the Nuggets. As the defending champions, the team entered the year with high expectations, having won their first-ever NBA title last year. Despite facing stiff competition, Denver managed to clinch their sixth consecutive playoff berth, showcasing their resilience and talent.

The standout moment of the season was center Nikola Jokic’s third MVP award in four years, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier players. The Nuggets’ postseason run was also noteworthy, as they dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, setting up a thrilling semifinals clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, the Nuggets’ season came to a heartbreaking end when they squandered a 20-point lead in Game 7 against the Timberwolves, becoming the first team in NBA history to lose a series-deciding contest after leading by such a significant margin at halftime. Despite this disappointing conclusion, the Nuggets’ 2023-24 campaign was a testament to the continued growth of their core players.
Former NBA Coach George Karl Warns Denver Nuggets of Emerging Western Conference Contenders

Even though he hasn’t coached an NBA team in years, Karl has always made his thoughts on the sport known from time to time. The most recent is when he warned Denver to get better in a tweet he posted on his official X account.
“A bunch of Contenders are getting better. Your move, Nuggets,” Karl tweeted.
In the past few weeks, several teams in the West have loaded up their rosters for next season, with the Dallas Mavericks getting Klay Thompson as the most notable example. Meanwhile, the Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic in free agency this year.

It remains to be seen what moves Denver will make to keep up in the West. If they don’t make any, expect them to sink in a conference that’s becoming more talented and competitive.

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