The injury bug just won't leave the Denver Nuggets alone.
On Wednesday, the team got another tough blow: forward Cam Johnson is expected to miss four to six weeks with a bone bruise in his right knee. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, and it adds to a growing list of health concerns for Denver’s starting unit.
Johnson, in his first season with the Nuggets, has been a steady contributor. He’s averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting an efficient 46.1% from the field and an impressive 42.9% from beyond the arc. That kind of shooting is hard to replace, especially on a team that thrives on spacing and ball movement.
Denver brought Johnson in this past offseason in a significant move that sent Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn. The idea was clear: bring in a versatile, veteran wing who could stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and fit seamlessly alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. So far, Johnson had been doing just that - until this setback.
And he’s not the only one on the shelf.
Aaron Gordon has been sidelined since November 21 with a hamstring injury, while Christian Braun has only managed to suit up for 11 games this season due to an ankle issue. That’s now three starters out of the mix, which puts serious pressure on Denver’s depth and rotation flexibility.
One name to watch in the short term is Spencer Jones. The rookie forward has already seen his minutes climb, logging over 20 minutes in each of the Nuggets’ last three contests. He’s averaging five points and 2.2 rebounds on the year, but with more responsibility coming his way, he’ll have a chance to show whether he can handle bigger defensive assignments and knock down open shots when called upon.
Head coach David Adelman may also lean into smaller lineups, potentially slotting Bruce Brown into a forward role. Brown’s versatility has always been one of his calling cards - he can guard multiple positions and make plays on both ends - so don’t be surprised if he becomes a key piece in helping Denver weather this storm.
As for Johnson, this setback interrupts what had been a solid start to his Nuggets tenure. Drafted by the Suns in 2019, he spent four seasons in Phoenix before heading to Brooklyn, where he played three more. Over the course of his career, he’s averaged 12.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and two assists per game - numbers that reflect his consistency and value as a two-way contributor.
Losing a player like Johnson, especially with his shooting and experience, is never ideal. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the Nuggets have built a roster with enough flexibility to adapt. The next few weeks will test that depth - and give some younger players a chance to step into the spotlight.