Friday Faceoff: Who will carry more pressure in 2026-27: Cale Makar or Nikola Jokic?

Evan Rawal, Avalanche reporter

Answer: Cale Makar

While his record-breaking contract doesn’t kick in for another season, the average fan won’t care. When the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022, it was Makar who carried the load for the team. He led them in assists, points, blocked shots and time-on-ice on his way to winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. With that new $163.2 million deal, the pressure will be on Makar to carry the load again.

In the playoffs, the Avalanche go as Makar goes. Against Dallas two seasons ago, Makar couldn’t buy a goal to save his life, despite trying everything in his power to create one. The Avalanche fell in seven games. A wounded Makar last season missed the first two games of the Western Conference final, and he was not the same when he returned. Neither were the Avalanche.

When Makar is healthy, he’s the best defensemen in the world. With $20.4 million per season soon filling his bank account, the pressure will be on Makar to get it done in the playoffs before an aging Avalanche team must retool.

Vinny Benedetto, Nuggets reporter

Answer: Nikola Jokic

If Nikola Jokic wants the Nuggets to look anything like what he’s accustomed to, the responsibility falls on his big, broad shoulders.

Failing to contend for a championship next season will lead to changes. It could mean Jokic is adjusting to a new coach. It could mean the two-man game with Jamal Murray is no more. It could mean locker neighbor Aaron Gordon, the oil of Denver’s engine, is in a different locker room for the 2027-28 season. The only thing that’s not at stake is Jokic’s future with the franchise. He has a home in Denver as long as he desires.

Jokic’s never been one to demand change publicly or privately. When asked about the job David Adelman did in his first full season as coach, Jokic shouldered the blame after an uncharacteristic playoff series against the Timberwolves. Another exit like the first-round loss to Minnesota, and Jokic’s next chapter with the Nuggets will feature a whole new cast of characters.

The three-time Most Valuable Player must contend for a fourth and produce a lot of wins to keep things comfortable.