The Denver Nuggets are heading into the holidays with another injury headache on their hands. Forward Cameron Johnson exited Tuesday night’s game against the Mavericks in the fourth quarter after tweaking his right knee, and the early signs weren’t encouraging. Johnson will undergo an MRI to get a clearer picture of the damage, but anytime a player limps off holding a knee, alarm bells start to ring.
This injury comes at a particularly tough time for both Johnson and the Nuggets. The 27-year-old had carved out a steady role in Denver’s rotation since arriving from Brooklyn over the summer.
He’d started 27 games this season, averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 boards, and 2.3 assists in just under 31 minutes a night. He was also coming off one of his best performances of the year-a 20-point showing in a win over Utah on Monday that showcased his ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends.
Johnson is in Year 3 of a four-year, $94.5 million deal, and while he’s not the flashiest name on the roster, his value to this Nuggets team has been growing. His combination of size, shooting, and defensive versatility has made him a key piece in Denver’s wing rotation, especially with the team already battling injuries elsewhere.
That’s where things get even more complicated for head coach Michael Malone. Denver is already down two starters: Christian Braun has been sidelined with an ankle injury since November 12, and Aaron Gordon has missed time with a hamstring issue, last playing on November 21. Losing Johnson on top of that stretches the depth chart thin, especially at the forward spots.
If Johnson is forced to miss significant time, the Nuggets will need to lean more heavily on a mix of veterans and young talent to fill the gap. Tim Hardaway Jr. could see an uptick in minutes and shot opportunities, while Bruce Brown’s versatility becomes even more valuable. Rookie Julian Strawther may also be called upon to step into a larger role, especially if Denver wants to maintain some shooting and athleticism on the wing.
The Nuggets have weathered injuries before, but this latest setback adds another layer of challenge as they try to stay in rhythm through the heart of the season. With multiple key rotation players out, Denver’s depth and adaptability will be put to the test.