Nikola Jokic's Return Still Unclear as Nuggets Stay Patient - and Successful
For much of this season, Nuggets fans have found themselves brushing up on medical updates almost as much as they’ve been watching basketball. And when Nikola Jokic went down with a knee injury on December 29, the focus quickly shifted from highlight reels to rehab timelines.
Last week, Shams Charania gave fans a bit of hope during an appearance on NBA Countdown, saying Jokic had resumed on-court work and was either on or ahead of schedule in his recovery. That original timeline pointed to a four-week reevaluation window - which would land around January 26. If things were trending ahead of schedule, a return as early as Sunday the 25th felt like a real possibility.
But Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman offered a more tempered update during his pregame press conference Tuesday night. While discussing Jonas Valanciunas and his own return from injury, Adelman casually noted that Jonas would “most likely” be the starting center when he returns - a comment that, intentionally or not, suggested Jokic’s return might not be quite as imminent.
Pressed for clarification, Adelman didn’t backtrack but did leave the door open: “It looks that way now, but I really mean this, tomorrow could be different.” He went on to describe Jokic’s recovery as “up and down,” comparing it to the progress of Cam (presumably Cam Payne, who has also been working through injury).
Now, to be clear - there’s no indication of a setback or anything alarming. But it also doesn’t sound like Jokic is on the verge of suiting up. The optimism around an early return seems to be cooling, and even the original four-week mark is starting to feel like a stretch.
Nuggets Playing the Long Game - and Winning It
There’s always a chance this is just gamesmanship, but Adelman doesn’t exactly have a reputation for smoke and mirrors. More likely, Jokic has been pushing to get back, and the team is simply reading the signs from his body - and the standings.
Because here’s the thing: the Nuggets are winning. They’ve managed to stay hot even without their MVP on the floor, and that’s given the organization something it rarely has - the luxury of patience.
This stretch has been a blessing in disguise. With Jokic sidelined, Denver’s supporting cast has stepped up in a big way.
Role players have found rhythm, rotations have been tested, and the team has continued to climb in the standings. It’s not just about surviving without Jokic - they’re thriving.
And that changes the calculus. There’s no need to rush him back.
No need to gamble long-term health for short-term gain. The Nuggets know what’s at stake in April, May, and potentially June - and that’s what matters most.
Forget the 65-Game Threshold - This Is Bigger
Of course, there’s the looming 65-game rule, which players must hit to be eligible for All-NBA honors and MVP consideration. For Jokic, who’s been in the thick of the MVP race for years and is a perennial All-NBA lock, missing out on those accolades would sting. But Denver has bigger goals.
If the choice is between chasing individual awards or ensuring Jokic is 100% for the playoffs, it’s not really a choice at all. The last thing the Nuggets want is to see their franchise cornerstone pushing through fatigue or lingering soreness just to hit a number on a stat sheet.
There’s a real argument to be made that this extended break - inconvenient as it may seem - could be exactly what Jokic and the Nuggets need. A fresher, healthier version of the Joker in the postseason is worth far more than any regular-season milestone.
And let’s be honest: another Finals MVP would mean a whole lot more than a fourth straight top-2 MVP finish.
So while the exact return date for Jokic remains up in the air, the Nuggets are handling this the right way. They’re not panicking.
They’re not rushing. They’re playing smart basketball, and they’re giving their superstar the time he needs.
That’s how you build toward something bigger. That’s how you keep championship windows open.