The Athletic NBA Daily How do the Nuggets survive without Jokić?
Dec 30, 2025
Joel Lorenzi, an NBA reporter covering the Bulls, shares insights on the impact of injuries to Coby White and Josh Giddey. He discusses the challenges Chicago faces with their trade options, expressing concerns over pursuing Anthony Davis due to his injury history. The conversation also touches on the team's middle-ground dilemma, critiquing their reluctance to rebuild. Additionally, Lorenzi highlights the Nuggets' potential strategies for coping without Nikola Jokić, emphasizing how team depth is key.
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Jokić's Injury Looked Different
- Nikola Jokić's injury felt unusually concerning because he visibly winced and limped off after twisting his knee.
- The hosts noted this deviates from Jokić's typically excellent durability and raised real worry about extended absence.
Monitor Medical Updates, Let Recovery Drive Moves
- Expect the Nuggets to try to withstand a short Jokić absence by accelerating returns from other injured players.
- Track team testing and updates closely because timelines will determine whether Denver truly weathers this without major roster moves.
Nuggets More Resilient Without Jokić
- The Nuggets are less dependent on Jokić this season because their on-off gap shrank to about 2.7 points.
- Depth additions like Jonas Valančiūnas and better play from Jamal Murray make short absences more survivable.