Report: Nuggets finalizing guaranteed 3-year deal with Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets historically like to run their opponents into the ground. New head coach Mike Malone may want to consider bludgeoning opponents instead.

The Nuggets are set to fortify an already large frontcourt with the signing of Serbian prospect Nikola Jokic, according to a report from Shams Charania of RealGM. The team is finalizing a three-year contract that would be fully guaranteed, though the total value of the deal remains unclear.

Guaranteeing three years is a nice sign of commitment from the Nuggets, who are said to have grown more and more excited by Jokic's play in the Adriatic League this year. Jokic had been hesitant to come stateside on a short-term deal, and it appears he'll be in the fold early enough to suit up for Summer League in mid-July.

The Nuggets drafted Jokic 41st overall last summer, betting that with a bit more seasoning, the 6-foot-11, 250-plus-pound center could grow into a nice rotation piece. That bet looks to have paid off. Jokic took a major step forward this season, averaging 16.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 52.5 percent overall and 32.6 percent on threes.

A skilled and rangy big man with a deft passing touch, Jokic doesn't provide much on defense, but should help facilitate offense from the post. Alongside fellow international behemoths Jusuf Nurkic and Joffrey Lauvergne, as well as Kenneth Faried and J.J. Hickson, Jokic should give the Nuggets one of the most imposing - if not terribly skilled - front lines in the league.