Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nikola Jokic was as calm and pragmatic as ever when discussing his outlook for the 2025-26 season.

Although the Denver Nuggets strengthened their lineup during the offseason and were seen by the outside world as the biggest threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic remained low-key, emphasizing that the team never considered itself a favorite.

In an interview, Jokic said: "I think we have never been a favorite, even in the year we won the championship. I never felt pressure. Now they (Thunder) are the target of everyone's pursuit, and they played really well."

Talking about the team's goal for the new season, Jokic added with his signature humor: "Hopefully we can be the silent...how do you say it? The silent knight? Or, the dark horse."

Last season, the Denver Nuggets lost to the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder 93-125 in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. That loss made the team realize the lack of roster depth.

To prepare for the new season, the Nuggets made key adjustments this summer, acquiring Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Cameron Johnson, while also trading Michael Porter Jr. These changes have led to widespread speculation that the Nuggets will become the Thunder's toughest challenger in their title defense.