The Denver Nuggets look poised for another title shot

Why it matters: The new-look Nuggets this season boast a roster that can contend with any NBA team. And if Jokić continues his MVP-caliber play, Denver could end this season with another victory parade in LoDo.

State of play: Forward Cam Johnson will immediately join the starting lineup, effectively replacing Michael Porter Jr., who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

• Lithuanian center Jonas Valančiūnas is another key newcomer, serving a pivotal role as Jokić's backup, which the team has lacked over the past several seasons.

Between the lines: Guard Christian Braun signaled his intent to stay in Denver this week after signing a five-year, $125 million contract extension.

• Braun, picked No. 21 overall in the 2022 NBA draft, has blossomed into one of the league's top fast-break scorers.

The intrigue: Head coach David Alderman should get a full season to prove why he's a worthy successor to Michael Malone after guiding the Nuggets to a 3-0 record to end the regular season last year and a first-round playoff series win.

What they're saying: "If [the Nuggets] win the title, and [Jokić] wins MVP again, I think he's indisputably one of the best 10 players ever," sports writer Bill Simmons said recently on his podcast.

The bottom line: Denver's title run begins Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, a 2010s dynasty Denver hopes to emulate.

• Tipoff is at 8pm on ESPN.

Go deeper: The can't-miss Denver Nuggets games next season