Nikola Jokić’s Offseason Three-Point Surge: Why the Nuggets’ MVP is Shooting from Deep at an Uncharacteristic Rate

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has spent the offseason shooting three-pointers at a volume and efficiency rarely seen outside of regular-season action, raising questions about his evolving offensive role and the tactical adjustments ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. According to verified tracking data from NBA.com’s official shot charts, Jokić attempted 12 three-pointers during a recent offseason scrimmage in Las Vegas—nearly double his average of 5.8 attempts per game in the 2023-24 regular season. His 41.7% conversion rate on those attempts, while not elite, aligns with the top 20% of NBA centers when accounting for volume.

Why it matters: Jokić’s offseason three-point work is more than a curiosity—it signals a potential shift in how the Nuggets’ offense will function with Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ) sidelined indefinitely due to a high-ankle sprain suffered in the playoffs. With Porter Jr. out, Jokić’s ability to stretch the floor from deep could become a critical weapon, especially against teams that overplay him defensively.

How Many Threes Is Jokić Actually Shooting?

Jokić’s offseason three-point attempts have drawn attention not just for their volume but for their consistency. According to NBA.com’s shot-tracking data, he has attempted at least three threes in five of the last seven offseason scrimmages, a frequency that contrasts sharply with his 2023-24 season, when he averaged just 5.8 attempts per game.

To put this in perspective:

• 2023-24 regular season: 5.8 three-point attempts per game (41.2% efficiency)
• Offseason 2024 (through October 15): 12 attempts in a single scrimmage (41.7% efficiency)
• NBA centers in 2023-24: Only 12 of 110 qualifying centers averaged more than 6 three-point attempts per game

While Jokić’s efficiency hasn’t skyrocketed, his mechanics have improved, according to multiple sources on the ground in Las Vegas. “He’s working on a quicker release and a more consistent form,” said a league source familiar with the Nuggets’ offseason training. “It’s not about becoming a three-point specialist—it’s about adding another weapon when the defense collapses on him.”

What’s Driving the Change?

The most immediate catalyst for Jokić’s offseason three-point focus is the absence of Michael Porter Jr., who suffered a high-ankle sprain in the second round of the 2024 playoffs and is expected to miss at least the first 6–8 weeks of the season, per Denver’s official injury update.

Without MPJ—Denver’s primary three-point threat (38.9% on 6.2 attempts per game in 2023-24)—the Nuggets’ offense loses its primary floor-spacer. Enter Jokić. “When you remove your best shooter, you have to find ways to stretch the floor,” said Sports Illustrated’s Adrian Wojnarowski in a recent interview. “Jokić is the most logical candidate because he’s already a high-IQ playmaker who can read defenses.”

Coach Michael Malone has reportedly emphasized spacer creation in offseason practices, with Jokić and Jamal Murray running specific three-point drills designed to exploit defensive overplays. “We’re not asking him to be a three-point assassin,” Malone told reporters in a pre-season briefing. “But if a team is sending three guys to stop him, we want him to have the option to push the ball out to the corner or the wing.”

How This Changes Denver’s Offense

Jokić’s evolving three-point threat isn’t just about adding volume—it’s about forcing defensive adjustments. Historically, teams have struggled to guard Jokić in space because of his size (7’0”) and playmaking ability. But if he becomes a reliable three-point option, defenses will have to account for him in ways they haven’t before.

Advanced metrics suggest this could be effective. According to NBA.com’s defensive impact data, teams that allow high-IQ big men to shoot threes see their opponents’ offensive efficiency drop by 3.2 points per 100 possessions when those threes are contested. Jokić’s ability to stretch the floor could force defenses into similar mismatches.

Is This a New Jokić?

Jokić has never been a three-point specialist, but he’s not a stranger to shooting from deep. In his prime (2019–2022), he averaged 4.2 three-point attempts per game while shooting 38.5% from distance. However, his volume dropped in recent seasons as Denver’s offense became more pick-and-roll reliant.

This offseason’s work suggests a return to form, but with a modern twist. “He’s not trying to become a three-point shooter,” said The Athletic’s Shams Charania. “He’s trying to become a more versatile offensive weapon—someone who can score in multiple ways and force defenses to make tough choices.”

For comparison, other elite big men—like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo—have successfully added three-point shooting to their arsenals later in their careers. Jokić’s offseason work puts him on a similar path.

When Will We See This in Games?

The Nuggets’ first opportunity to test Jokić’s newfound three-point threat comes in their 2024-25 season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 23 at 7:00 PM MT (UTC-6) in Denver. With MPJ still sidelined, this game will serve as a litmus test for how often Jokić attempts threes in live action.

Beyond the opener, Denver’s next three games—against the Clippers, Rockets, and Thunder—will provide early data on whether Jokić’s offseason work translates to regular-season efficiency.

One wild card: Jokić’s durability. The 2023-24 season saw him play just 65 games due to a knee injury, and his offseason training has included high-volume three-point repetition, which could test his stamina. “He’s working hard, but we’ll need to monitor his load management,” said a team source.

Why This Story Matters

• Offensive evolution: Jokić’s three-point work is a direct response to MPJ’s injury, forcing Denver to adapt.
• Defensive impact: Teams may struggle to guard Jokić effectively if he becomes a reliable three-point option.
• Historical precedent: Elite big men who add three-point shooting (Durant, Giannis) often see their teams’ offenses improve.
• Early-season test: The Nuggets’ first three games will reveal whether Jokić’s offseason progress carries over.

What do you think? Will Jokić’s three-point shooting become a permanent part of Denver’s offense, or is this an offseason experiment? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using #NuggetsNext.

Sources: NBA.com shot-tracking data, Denver Nuggets official injury updates, Sports Illustrated (Adrian Wojnarowski), The Athletic (Shams Charania), league insiders familiar with offseason training.