Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has singled out Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert as one of the NBA's premier defenders. Jokic made the comments on the Jao Mile podcast, offering high praise even after a playoff series where Gobert helped limit him. The Nuggets enter this discussion on a three-game winning streak, capped by a 136-119 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2026.
Speaking with former NBA player Mile Ilic, Jokic opened up about his career and the defenders who challenge him. Rudy Gobert's name came up, and the three-time MVP had a clear message. "I know people have all kinds of opinions about him, but Rudy is a really good defender," Jokic said. "He showed it in the last playoffs. Even though I've had some good games against him, I really think he's a good defender."
Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, made things difficult for Jokic during last season's first-round series. The Timberwolves eliminated the Nuggets in six games. Jokic still averaged 25.8 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.5 assists in that series, but he shot a career-worst 44.6% from the field in the postseason.
Jokic also dropped a career-high 61 points against Minnesota on April 1, 2025, with Gobert as his primary defender. The Nuggets center named other tough matchups: Ivica Zubac, Jusuf Nurkic, Jalen Duren, Wendell Carter Jr. and Victor Wembanyama. He pointed to size and physicality from Zubac and Nurkic, while Duren and Carter's different styles posed problems. Jokic mentioned the entire Oklahoma City Thunder for their collective defensive effort.
Jokic turned down a contract extension from the Denver Nuggets this summer, putting the league on alert. He holds a player option for the 2027-28 season, which could allow him to become a free agent. But the superstar has consistently stated his desire to remain in Denver for his entire career.
"My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career," Jokic told reporters after a FIBA World Cup qualifier last month. "My idea and desire is to stay in Denver. I'll probably sign next year...."
The Nuggets front office faces pressure to build a contender around him. They lost Peyton Watson in a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, they added veterans DeMar DeRozan, Alpha Diallo, Marvin Bagley III and Lonnie Walker IV to the roster this offseason.
The team's current form provides an optimistic backdrop. Denver is on a three-game winning run, with a recent form of three wins and two losses in their last five outings (WWWLL). Their latest victory was a convincing 136-119 result against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2026.
Before that, they defeated the Golden State Warriors 116-93 on March 30 and edged the Phoenix Suns 125-123 on March 25. Their two losses in this stretch came against Memphis (125-118 on March 19) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (125-93 on May 18, 2025). They also beat the Thunder 119-107 on May 16, 2025.
Jokic's praise for an elite defender like Gobert highlights the level of competition in the Western Conference. His commitment to Denver, paired with the team's recent winning form, gives Nuggets fans plenty to watch as the season progresses. The front office's offseason moves will be tested soon enough.
