Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić was having an incredible season when he sustained a left knee injury in late December, a move that many fans and analysts believed would alter the NBA championship and MVP race. Luckily, an exam showed that Jokić did not suffer a season-ending injury, and his projected return was a few weeks. A top NBA insider revealed the latest update regarding Jokić’s status.
What’s the Latest News on Nikola Jokić?
ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that Jokić has been cleared for action. Charania said, “Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić plans to return to action Friday night against the LA Clippers at home after being sidelined since Dec. 29 with a bone bruise in his hyperextended left knee.”
He further added, “Jokić is also set to play in Sunday’s showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder and be eligible for season awards such as MVP and All-NBA.”
Jokić’s return is great news for NBA fans, as he is considered by many to be the best player in the World. The three-time MVP is averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game this season, and still leads the NBA in triple-doubles despite missing extended time this season.
However, it’s Jokić’s efficiency that really strengthened his case as the early MVP leader before his injury. He’s shooting over 60 percent from the field for the second time in his career, while shooting a career high 43.5 percent from three. Jokić’s +9.8 plus/minus rating is also a career high, along with his 128.1 offensive rating and 71.4% true shooting percentage.
It’s hard to believe, given everything he’s done the last six seasons, but Jokić is arguably having the best season of his career. Jokić was recently selected as an NBA All-Star Game starter for the sixth consecutive season, while being selected for the eighth time overall. Now that Jokić is cleared, he’ll likely compete in Los Angeles, which is sure to please NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, given this year’s Team USA vs. World format.
It remains to be seen if the Nuggets’ success without Jokić impacts his MVP candidacy. While some fans projected a slight drop in the standings, the Nuggets have held their ground, winning seven of their last ten games. The Nuggets have gone 10-6 without Jokić in the lineup, thanks to career years by Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, as well as the emergence of young players like Peyton Watson.
Riding on their heroics, the Nuggets sit strong in third place in the loaded Western Conference with a 32-16 record. They are just 0.5 games behind the second-ranked Spurs, while being two games ahead of the fourth-ranked Houston Rockets.
