The Denver Nuggets’ treatment of center Nikola Jokić could diminish his prime, at least in the eyes of one NBA executive.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that others around the NBA are concerned about Jokic’s significant usage and that the team could “bring him to his knees” if they continue to do so.

“You will only win if Murray is really good,” said manager Shelburne. “Joker is the best player in the world, but they will bring him to his knees if he plays so much.”

Jokic is averaging 39.0 minutes per game so far in the 2024-25 season and is the most important cog in Denver’s style of play. In four games this season, he is averaging 31.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists.

Denver is off to a 2-2 start and is just two seasons away from an NBA championship. The team reached the semifinals of the Western Conference in the 2023/24 season and is considered a prominent contender alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Still, relying so heavily on Jokić could make the team one-dimensional, and the struggles of guard Jamal Murray and others are doing nothing to ease the pressure on the 29-year-old.