The Denver Nuggets franchise announced Monday the duration of Nikola Jokic’s unavailability following his knee injury. Competing with Frenchman Victor Wembanyama in the race for the title of best player of the NBA season, the Serbian pivot will miss at least a month of competition.
Denver Nuggets star basketball player Nikola Jokic will be unavailable for at least four weeks, his team said on Tuesday, communicating for the first time after the Serbian’s knee injury which raised fears of the worst.
“Nikola Jokic suffers from hyperextension of the left knee. (…) Nikola will be re-evaluated in four weeks,” the Nuggets wrote in their message. A hard blow for the franchise, third in the Western Conference behind Oklahoma City and Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs.
Jokic’s longest absence in the NBA
The 30-year-old Serbian pivot, in the running to win a fourth title of best NBA player of the season (MVP) and in direct competition with the French phenomenon, was injured Monday evening during a lost match on the floor of the Miami Heat (147-123). His knee locked up after teammate Spencer Jones inadvertently stepped on his foot in a harmless defensive action.
As explained by specialist journalist Shams Charania, this absence of at least four weeks will constitute the longest unavailability of Nikola Jokic’s career since his arrival in the NBA. In 11 years in the North American league, the Serbian has played more than 69 regular season matches each time since his debut.
Denver decimated after Jokic injury
The images of the colossus writhing in pain on the ground have cast a chill over the Colorado franchise, currently 3rd in the Western Conference, and whose ambitions are suffering from repeated injuries to key players.
In addition to Nikola Jokic, the infirmary also includes Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, two executives who contributed to the 2023 coronation, as well as Cameron Johnson, the flagship recruit of the summer.
Before his knee injury, the Serb averaged 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11 assists this season. A pace which, until this stoppage, made him one of the favorites for the MVP ahead of Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and even Luka Doncic. If he avoided the worst, it remains to be seen whether Nikola Jokic will be able to play the 65 regular season matches (out of 82) required to be eligible for the trophy.
