How Nikola Jokic’s Health Will Affect the Denver Nuggets in the Upcoming Season
It’s no secret that Nikola Jokic is the heart and soul of the Denver Nuggets. The Serbian big man led the team to a Western Conference Finals appearance last season, averaging 26.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists in the playoffs. However, after a grueling season in the NBA bubble, Jokic might be feeling the effects of playing in such a condensed schedule. In this article, we’ll explore how Jokic’s health will impact the Nuggets’ chances in the upcoming season.
The Importance of Jokic’s Health
Jokic is not your typical NBA superstar. His game is predicated on finesse and skill rather than athleticism and brute force. As a result, he’s able to stay relatively injury-free throughout the season. However, last season was anything but ordinary. The NBA bubble in Orlando was a unique situation that saw players playing games every other day, with little time for rest and recovery. Jokic played a crucial role for the Nuggets, averaging 39 minutes per game in the playoffs. While he was able to sustain that level of performance, it’s likely that it took a toll on his body.
What to Expect from Jokic this Season
Jokic has already been dealing with some injury issues in the preseason. He missed a couple of games with a minor ankle sprain, but he’s expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. However, even if he’s fully healthy, it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to replicate his performance from last season. The condensed schedule will take a toll on all players, especially those who played deep into the playoffs. Jokic might be forced to take some rest days throughout the season, which could impact the Nuggets’ chances in the highly-competitive Western Conference.
The Nuggets’ Supporting Cast
Even if Jokic is not able to play at an MVP level this season, the Nuggets still have a talented roster that can compete with the best teams in the West. Jamal Murray showed during the playoffs that he’s capable of carrying the scoring load for the team. Michael Porter Jr. is another young player with a ton of potential. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he could be a key piece for the Nuggets in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
Nikola Jokic is the heart and soul of the Denver Nuggets. His health will play a crucial role in the team’s success this season. However, even if he’s not able to replicate his performance from last season, the Nuggets still have a talented roster that can compete with the best teams in the Western Conference. It will be interesting to see how Jokic and the rest of the team adapt to the condensed schedule and the challenges that come with it.
