Nikola Jokic
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Nikola Jokic is expected to be out until the All-Star break.
The Denver Nuggets may soon have their franchise cornerstone back on the floor.
According to the latest reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday, Nikola Jokic is making encouraging progress in his recovery from a hyperextended left knee and associated bone bruise, fueling optimism that his absence may not stretch far beyond the original timetable.
“A big development here. Nikola Jokic has resumed on-court workouts for Denver, and he’s right on schedule, if not a little bit ahead of schedule for making his return to the lineup by the end of this month,” Charania reported.
“That’s about that four-week initial early timetable that they had. The Nuggets are optimistic that Nikola Jokic will be able to return by that late-January mark. He’s making great progress, rapid progress.”
Jokic has missed eight games since suffering the injury in late December, but all indications suggest his return is drawing closer.
Nikola Jokic’s Recovery Ahead of Initial Fears
When Jokic first went down, there was understandable concern around the severity of the injury, with early fears ranging from a season-ending absence to a long-term setback.
Against that backdrop, avoiding surgery and positioning himself for a return within roughly a month represents a best-case scenario for both the player and the franchise.
While NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that Denver was initially targeting an early-February return, Charania’s description of Jokic’s “rapid progress” has opened the door to the possibility of an earlier comeback, provided there are no setbacks in the coming weeks.
Through 32 games this season, the 30-year-old is averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 11.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 60.5% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range. Those numbers have him firmly in the conversation for what would be a fourth MVP award.
Jokic’s durability history also works in his favor. He has appeared in at least 69 games in every season of his NBA career, and a return by late January would keep him on track to clear the NBA’s 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
“If he is able to make it back by late January, it would also give him a window to be eligible for the postseason awards: MVP and All-NBA team,” Charania added.
Nuggets Stay Competitive While Waiting for Star Center
Some scenarios still point to an early-February return should Denver choose a more cautious path, but Jokic’s return to on-court work remains a significant milestone in the recovery process.
In his absence, the Nuggets have managed to stay steady in a tightly contested Western Conference. Denver is 5-3 since Jokic went down, leaning on a more collective approach amid additional injury challenges.
Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun have all missed time during the stretch, but Murray and Gordon are now back in the lineup. With their return, Denver has won four of its last five games.
Despite the turbulence, the Nuggets sit third in the Western Conference at 27-13, tied with the San Antonio Spurs. The Oklahoma City Thunder remain atop the standings, holding a 6.5-game lead.
While Denver’s offense naturally looks different without Jokic orchestrating from the center position, the team’s ability to remain competitive has reinforced why the organization can afford patience.