The Denver Nuggets are going to be without Nikola Jokic for at least four weeks after he was diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee. Jokic avoided a major injury, but the Nuggets could be in trouble with their best player on the sidelines.
However, Nuggets legend Carmelo Anthony saw a silver lining in Jokic’s knee injury. Anthony shared his insight on NBA on NBC, pointing to how his absence could help the team find its identity without “The Joker.”
The Hall of Famer had the belief that it would benefit the Nuggets in the long run, especially during the playoffs.
“For me, this is not about whether Denver can survive. It’s really about what this moment reveals for the other guys, about Denver’s identity, about the margins, about their championship pedigree. … Now, we have to figure out as a team where this puts us because Jokic being out changes the geometry of the whole league,” Anthony said, via Basket News.
Anthony added that teams in the West will be gunning for the Nuggets’ spot in the standings. But in the next four weeks or more, the 10-time All-Star expects the rest of the team to step up.
What’s The Extent of Nikola Jokic’s Injury?
Speaking on ESPN’s SportsCenter, NBA insider Shams Charania shared more details about Nikola Jokic’s new injury. There was a big sigh of relief in Denver regarding the diagnosis since many feared the worst for the three-time NBA MVP.
Charania reported that in addition to a hyperextended left knee, Jokic also suffered a bone bruise. The Nuggets already have a plan in place for how they would handle the injury and recovery.
“I’m told Nikola Jokic’s hyperextended knee also has a bone bruise, but like you said, all-in-all a major sigh of relief for the Nuggets. Jokic has avoided season-ending injury. All of his ligaments are intact. He will be back this season. His rehab, I’m told, will consist of rest and treatment,” Charania said.
In Jokic’s absence, the Nuggets will rely on Jamal Murray to carry the offense. Murray was already having a fantastic season, but he’ll have to score and create even more to help Denver stay afloat in the loaded Western Conference.
Nuggets Expecting Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon to Return Soon
Heading into their game against the Toronto Raptors on New Year’s Eve, the Denver Nuggets are going to be without four of their five starters: Nikola Jokic, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson.
Jokic isn’t expected to be back at least toward the end of January, while Johnson has a similar timeline. Braun and Gordon are reportedly closer to making their return, with coach David Adelman telling Katy Winge of Altitude TV that both players could return before the end of their current seven-game road trip.
Braun has been out since November 12 with a sprained ankle, while Gordon has been dealing with a strained hamstring since November 21. They should give Jamal Murray and the Nuggets a big boost on both ends of the ball amid Jokic’s absence.
The game against the Raptors is just the third game of the road trip. They are also scheduled to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.
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