Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić remains the undisputed best center in the NBA, a basketball savant capable of dominating from any spot on the floor. Yet Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman may have stumbled upon something even more potent this season: pairing Jokić with another big man and unlocking a frontcourt combination that could redefine the Nuggets’ ceiling.
In limited action, the Jokić-Jonas Valančiūnas two-center lineup delivered eye-opening results. Across just 43 minutes together on the court, the Nuggets posted a stellar +19.8 net rating, according to databallr. While the sample size was small—hampered by injuries and inconsistent usage—the underlying promise was impossible to ignore.
Why Two Bigs Could Be Denver’s Future
The conventional wisdom has long favored small-ball versatility, but the league’s best teams in recent seasons are proving that two-big lineups, when constructed properly, remain a powerhouse formula. The Oklahoma City Thunder leaned heavily on Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein to overpower opponents in the Western Conference Finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers have built a formidable wall with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Even the Houston Rockets discovered new dimensions by surrounding Alperen Şengün with additional size. Two bigs, it seems, are routinely better than one.
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For Denver, the potential extends beyond raw size. While Jokić’s offensive genius is undeniable—he can facilitate, score, and control pace from the elbows or the perimeter—his defensive limitations have occasionally been exposed in high-stakes moments. Pairing him with a true rim protector and defensive anchor would mask those vulnerabilities, much like Karl-Anthony Towns has benefited from playing alongside Rudy Gobert or Mitchell Robinson.
The current Jokić-Aaron Gordon pairing has been successful, but a more traditional two-big setup could elevate the Nuggets’ defense without sacrificing offensive spacing—if the right partner is found.
Finding the Ideal Complement
Valančiūnas provided a solid first test as a fellow big, but he is not an elite rim protector or switchable defender. With the Lithuanian center likely headed elsewhere this offseason, the Nuggets have a golden opportunity to target a more defensive-minded backup who can also stretch the floor.
Promising names that fit the archetype include:
- Jay Huff — mobile and capable from three
- Kel’el Ware — young, athletic, and versatile
- Onyeka Okongwu — a proven paint protector with improving range
- Brook Lopez — the veteran blueprint for a spacing big with elite rim protection
By acquiring a center of this mold, Denver could comfortably experiment with two-big groupings without overcommitting. The backup would slide into traditional center minutes while also thriving alongside Jokić, giving coach Adelman tactical flexibility throughout the season.
A Defensive Reset Built Around Jokić
Improving defense remains Denver’s clearest offseason priority. Bringing in a versatile, defensive-minded big man accomplishes that goal while simultaneously maximizing Jokić’s brilliance. At the peak of his powers, the Serbian superstar doesn’t need more individual accolades—he needs a supporting cast that amplifies his strengths and conceals his weaknesses.
The early returns from the Valančiūnas experiment suggest the Nuggets could be onto something special. With better personnel and a larger sample size, this “bombshell” lineup has the potential to stabilize Denver’s defense, boost their playoff positioning, and give Jokić the help he needs to chase another championship.
The Nuggets don’t need to overhaul their entire roster. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from simply doubling down on what already works—in this case, putting two bigs on the floor and letting Nikola Jokić conduct the orchestra from within it.
If Denver executes this vision this offseason, the entire 2026-27 season could look markedly different. The two-big experiment isn’t just an interesting wrinkle. It might be the key to saving the Nuggets’ title window.