​Nikola Jokic welcomed a new teammate, who joined the Denver Nuggets this offseason. The team signed six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan to a one–year, $3.9 million contract after being waived by the Sacramento Kings. He adds veteran experience to the championship-hungry Nuggets team.On Monday, DeRozan appeared in front of reporters for Media Day. The veteran star revealed that Jokic’s former teammate, Russell Westbrook, helped him join Denver. Westbrook had his final NBA year with the Kings last season and played alongside his fellow California native.Before joining the Kings, Westbrook played for the Nuggets in the 2024-25 season, averaging 13.3 points per game as the team’s sixth man.Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic talks to reporters during All-Star weekendMandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images“My close friend Russ, I had Russ even before it was a thought, hit Joker and ask him his thoughts on a few things,” DeRozan said.“I did my part just to get a feel for it, but every conversation I had with everybody just made me feel even more comfortable.”Russell Westbrook played a factor in DeMar DeRozan’s decision to sign with the Nuggets:“I had Russ, even before it was a thought, hit Joker and ask him his thoughts on a few things.” pic.twitter.com/08lng9ZHgc— Z (@nuggetscountry_) September 28, 2026DeRozan averaged 18.4 points per game for the Kings last season and believes he can make an impact offensively. The veteran forward wants to help take some pressure off Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.“My whole career, I’ve had the ball in my hands, I’ve had to initiate offense,” DeRozan said. “Throughout my career, I’ve always made that a priority of mine, the importance of taking care of the ball. … Whatever I could do to take the pressure off Mal or big fella, whatever it may be, I’m for all of that.”DeRozan is in the latter stages of his career, but has shown last season that he’s got plenty left in the tank.Nikola Jokic Believes DeMar DeRozan Will Love Playing With the NuggetsNikola Jokic believes DeMar DeRozan can make a massive impact on offense for the Nuggets. He highlighted the star forward’s elite scoring and underrated passing as something the entire team could benefit from.The three-time MVP also thinks DeRozan will enjoy Denver’s way of basketball.“I think we’re going to find ways to — I don’t want to say make him better, because he’s already great,” Jokic said, “But I think he’s gonna maybe love to play with us, and play our style of basketball.””I think he’s gonna maybe love to play with us, and play our style of basketball.”– Nikola Jokic on DeMar DeRozan pic.twitter.com/gSvSwZrIwV— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) September 28, 2026It hasn’t been long since DeRozan was one of the top scorers. For the upcoming season, however, he’s accepted a supporting role next to Jokic and Murray to help the Nuggets contend for a championship.More NBA News:REPORT: 3x All-NBA DeMar De