Nuggets Coach Gets Candid About Jokic's Injury

Nikola Jokic is one of the most durable superstars of this era. It’s part of what makes him such a dominant force. In an era where they literally changed the rules to make stars who play less than 65 games ineligible to win major awards, Jokic is the exception. Jokic has played 69 or more games every season of his career and has never sustained a serious injury. 

Unfortunately, that streak may end this year. Jokic hurt his knee in a recent game against the Miami Heat and is expected to miss at least four weeks. The current prognosis is that he will be reevaluated in four weeks, but could miss upwards of six.

While every NBA fan should be heartbroken to have the best player in the world out, nobody is probably facing a bigger challenge than Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman had this to say about Jokic’s injury:

"It's an unfortunate situation. Silver lining, it's not season-ending, but it was a very concerning moment for us... not just because of the player he is, it's because I know him... He's 1 of the tougher people & players I've ever been around... He's in a good place. He always is never too high, and every now and then hilariously low."

Adelman has his work cut out for him with Jokic out, but he is also going to feel the human side of watching a class act like Jokic misses time. Adelman is going to have to find a way to replace Jokic’s 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. This will be nearly impossible.

As of Thursday, the Nuggets are the third seed in the Western Conference with a record of 23–10. If Adelman can at least help the Nuggets stay afloat without their star, it will be a feat.