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The Denver Nuggets have not yet finalized their 2026 offseason, with Peyton Watson still a restricted free agent and two roster vacancies remaining. However, early assessments of their 2026-27 competitiveness are already underway.
With a core featuring Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets' identity is well established. This trio led Denver to an NBA championship in 2023, but subsequent playoff runs have fallen short: second-round exits in 2024 and 2025, followed by a first-round elimination in 2026.
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Nuggets at +2700 (27/1) to win the 2027 NBA Finals, placing them seventh among title contenders. In the Western Conference, they hold the third-best odds at +1400 to emerge from the West, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (+125) and San Antonio Spurs (+155), and tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Key Analysis
These odds are considered fair given Denver's offseason moves. The Nuggets' primary additions—Marvin Bagley III, Trevon Brazile, and Alpha Diallo—do not clearly improve the roster. Most efforts have focused on retaining existing players, while the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr. weakens the second unit. Depth remains a concern behind a starting lineup of Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Gordon, and Jokic.
Denver's path to a title hinges on two factors: defense and health. Last season, the Nuggets ranked 21st in defensive rating and suffered numerous injuries to key players like Jokic, Gordon, Johnson, Braun, and Watson. The additions of Diallo and Brazile, along with the return of Spencer Jones, are expected to bolster defense. If the team can stay healthy and Braun finds a consistent two-way rhythm, Denver could emerge as a legitimate contender. Offense, powered by the core, is not expected to be an issue.