This isn't typical preseason Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets took their first L of the preseason Thursday in Chicago.

Here are my takeaways from a long, double-overtime, night of preseason basketball.

This looks like a different Nikola Jokic

Jokic attempted a total of eight shots over the course of three games during the 2022-23 preseason. He shot it just once in the Nuggets’ preseason opener last year and then twice in their second preseason matchup.

During Denver’s preseason 2022 preseason finale against Golden State, Jokic let loose. He fired up five shots in 18 minutes. At that time, it was a lot for him in an exhibition environment.

This preseason has been different.

Jokic has shot the ball a total of 21 times across two preseason games. He hoisted up 11 field goal attempts in the Nuggets’ preseason opener in Phoenix and shot it 10 times Thursday in Chicago during Denver’s double-OT loss to the Bulls.

Jokic is playing aggressively. He’s forcing the issue. He’s looking for his shot in the preseason. I think it’s mostly a continuation of what we saw in San Diego during training camp.

This mf Jokić so unserious bruh 😭 pic.twitter.com/z4oymhgiWJ

— Ethical Hoops🏆 (only takes Ws) (@EthicalHoopz) October 13, 2023

The two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP is in a great place mentally and ready for this season. He’s raring to go. He’s chomping at the bit to get things started for real. I think this aggressive preseason Jokic is a great sign of what’s to come.

Also, Murray’s ascension as a passer in last year’s playoffs is proving not to be a fluke. Higher assist numbers from him means that Jokic could be in for a jump in scoring from the 24.5 points per game that he poured in last season. Michael Porter Jr. re-entering the lineup will take a couple of looks away from Jokic, but I’ve seen enough through two games.

Another MVP season is loading.

Second unit questions

You shouldn’t have any questions about the Nuggets’ starting five, which again will be dominant most of its minutes this season. They look ready to go too.

But the second unit? There are questions.

You should have confidence in Christian Braun, although he hasn’t played yet this preseason due to a calf contusion. After that, the next member of the potential second unit that I have confidence in is rookie Julian Strawther.

That’s how impressive the 21-year-old has been through two preseason games. Strawther was the star of the Nuggets’ preseason opener in Phoenix. Then he tallied 16 points and shot 4-8 from 3 in Chicago.

Julian Strawther making an impact again, first cuts in for the layup off a nice assist from Nikola Jokic (👀understanding how to play with Joker), then follows up with two 3-pointers.#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/91cqR8cx0j

— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) October 13, 2023

This guy looks like a player, and it’s not out of the question that he can play real minutes early on this season with so much uncertainty around the bench. What he’s doing so far in the preseason is real.

Most of the Nuggets’ bench feels unsettled. Reggie Jackson hasn’t done much to convince you that he’s for sure going to be a positive player. Zeke Nnaji had a strong preseason opener but struggled against the big-bodied Andre Drummond against the Bulls — Drummond recorded 13 rebounds (9 offensive) in 14 minutes last night.

Peyton Watson still looks like a young player with tons of upside but still has a lot to learn. Justin Holiday will bring some steadiness to that group once he shifts back to the second unit, but he’s not a savior.

Shoutout David Adelman

This was a beautiful play call and execution from Adelman, Hunter Tyson on the pass, and Braxton Key on the tip-in to force overtime against the Bulls.

Incredible angle of Braxton Key's game-tying buzzer beater. Overtime in preseason pic.twitter.com/dzYEygmYr5

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) October 13, 2023

Adelman has been filling in for Michael Malone, who’s not with the team after his father passed away earlier this week. He’s drawn praise from the Nuggets’ roster for his offensive instincts and philosophy before, and his strong coaching acumen has been on display this preseason.

“I really think DA is a guy who’s going to be a head coach. He knows the answers,” Jokic said of Adelman last season. “He reads and reacts.”

And those Larry Bird-Hunter Tyson comps aren’t stopping after a pinpoint lob pass like that.