Denver Nuggets Debate: Jokic vs. Melo for Jersey No. 15

The Denver Nuggets are grappling with a legacy question: whose No. 15 jersey should be retired—Nikola Jokic’s or Carmelo Anthony’s? Jokic, the Serbian superstar, has transformed the franchise, leading them to a championship in 2023, earning three MVP awards, and racking up accolades that many argue outshine Anthony’s tenure. Carmelo, a scoring phenom who wore No. 15 during his eight seasons with Denver from 2003 to 2011, left a significant mark but never brought a title.

With Jokic still active and adding to his resume, fans and analysts are split. Some say Jokic’s achievements already make him the clear choice, potentially placing him among the NBA’s all-time top 20 or 25 players—a claim contested by detractors like Marcus Morris, who argue he’s not there yet. Others suggest retiring both jerseys to honor their distinct contributions: Anthony’s flair and scoring prowess, and Jokic’s all-around brilliance. The discussion has expanded into a broader conversation about how teams measure legacy—titles, stats, or cultural impact—and whether Denver should wait until Jokic retires to decide. For now, it’s a passionate debate among Nuggets faithful.