After losing in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are sure to face some over-the-top backlash.
Jokic caught a lot of heat already, considering how much he struggled against Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
If the takes flying go as far as stating that Jokic is overrated, the former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins wants to make it clear he could never get to that point.
DENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 18: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
“I could never sit up here and say I feel like he’s overrated or anything,” Cousins said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.
“He’s earned the right to be mentioned amongst the greats. When it comes to being a top-five big man or whatever. I think that’s a totally different conversation. I’m sure everybody has their arguments. You know, to each his own.”
It’s Not All On Jokic
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 30: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets walks off the court after being defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-98 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 30, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Being at the head of the snake in Denver, Jokic is unsurprisingly taking a lot of the heat for the Game 6 loss, which resulted in elimination.
At the end of the day, the Nuggets underperformed from the coaching staff to the role players. That was another key point Cousins had to make.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 18: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets warms up prior to playing the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
“A lot of things have changed within the Denver Nuggets organization, as far as how they hold guys accountable,” Cousins added.
“I had the luxury of being there when Mike Malone was there, when they won a title with a Mike Malone. I wasn’t a part of the title team, but under that standard, it was just a whole different accountability when it came to the guys on the floor. It was a different urgency with the guys on the floor. I don’t quite see that in the past years, and as of this year, I don’t see the same. It’s the leadership has changed. A lot has changed within the group.”
The Nuggets haven’t been back to the championship since winning it all in 2023. Mark down 2026 as another disappointing postseason run for the star center and his team.