The Denver Nuggets have started the season 0-2 and Nikola Jokic is getting impatient with the team’s inability to figure out a solution.

The Denver Nuggets slumped to a 104-109 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday, going 0-2 to start the season after their 102-87 loss to the OKC Thunder to open the season.

Nikola Jokic is still performing at a high level but there are a multitude of issues across the roster that might indicate their championship window has already shut. Jokic spoke to the media after their second loss, imploring everyone on the team, including himself, to play better,

“Just because I scored 40 today, that doesn’t mean I played good. I think we need to be better. I don’t think we need to question my patience, because I’m with the guys. I’m not separate from them, so just because I scored a lot doesn’t mean I played good or bad, I think we all need to play better.”

The media also asked Jokic if there was a deadline by which he wanted the Nuggets to find a solution for their problems, with the three-time MVP frankly responding that the solution should already be there with them.

“Probably yesterday.”

Jokic has averaged 28.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists to open the season, continuing on the high level of play that helped him win the 2023-24 NBA MVP award. While he’s not even remotely in contention for the MVP right now due to the team losses, his performance will ultimately stack up as some of the best in the NBA.

Mike Malone’s team lacks high-level depth. The front office has committed most of the team’s resources to its top three players, leaving the rest of the roster with patchwork decisions. Betting on Jokic’s greatness to carry you to wins is a tried and trusted method, but eventually that isn’t enough. We’re seeing that realization play out in real time.

Additionally, Russell Westbrook has been an unmitigated disaster through the first two games, averaging 4.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 11.1% from the field.

The front office has completely dropped the ball with team-building and now Jokic and head coach Michael Malone will have to figure out a way to bail them out.

Denver will undoubtedly bounce back from their slow start, but their struggles should be a warning to the front office. Next summer, some legitimate reinforcements are needed if they’re going to give Jokic another championship ring on his resume.