Nikola Jokic
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Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is a three-time NBA MVP.
Since Nikola Jokic suffered a knee injury in late December, the Denver Nuggets have a respectable record of 7-5. Jokic was given a month to make a full recovery, but coach David Adelman shared some worrying news before the Nuggets hosted the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
In his pregame media availability, Adelman told reporters that Jokic has had some good days and bad days during his recovery. The coach didn’t elaborate on what he meant by that, but it seems like the three-time NBA MVP won’t be returning ahead of schedule.
“It’s just been a very up-and-down process. Not to sound vague, but that’s the truth. Good days, bad days,” Adelman said, via DNVR Sports.
Jokic suffered the injury on December 29 against the Miami Heat after stepping on Spencer Jones‘ foot. He was diagnosed with a hyperextension and a bone bruise in his left knee. He was given at least a month to fully recover, with that timeline ending about a week or so.
Jonas Valanciunas Update Means Jokic Won’t Return Soon
In addition to an update for Nikola Jokic, coach David Adelman also shared news about Jonas Valanciunas. The Nuggets’ backup big man suffered a right calf strain four days after losing The Joker to a knee injury.
“Jonas has looked good, but there is a timetable to that injury. He could redo that very easily. So he feels really good right now, but we have to get him through these tests, play some 3-on-3, 4-on-4, up to 5-on-5, before we feel comfortable with him (playing). There’s always risk, but (preferably) less risk, of him to come out there,” Adelman said, via Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
Valanciunas was also given a four-week recovery timeline, but it seems like he’s ahead of schedule. Adelman also acknowledged that they are going to start the Lithuanian big man at center once he’s cleared to return, indicating that he’ll be coming back earlier than Jokic.
Adelman has split starting center duties between DaRon Holmes II and Aaron Gordon since Valanciunas went down. Zeke Nnaji has also played well off the bench, averaging 8.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in his last 12 games.
Jokic Doing More Than Just Rehab
Nikola Jokic has been doing more than rehabilitating his injured left knee over the past three weeks or so. Jokic has also been teaching his teammates off the court, from reading plays to giving advice to players like DaRon Holmes II and Spencer Jones.
“He’ll help me out with my (player development) workouts with the little things that will translate to the game. My DHOs, stuff like that, making sure I screen the right way. Those little things matter for winning,” Holmes told The Denver Post last week.
Peyton Watson, who is having a breakout season due to all the injuries the Nuggets have endured this season, added that Jokic has been communicating more while he’s sitting on the bench.
He even perfectly read what the Philadelphia 76ers were trying to do in their overtime battle on January 5, according to Watson. It helped the Nuggets pull off a 125-124 win.