Key Highlights
- Nikola Jokic has resumed on-court workouts after being out since late December due to a knee injury.
- The Nuggets are optimistic that Jokic will return before the end of January if he misses exactly four weeks as initially projected.
- Peyton Watson is showing star potential, with impressive stats in recent games and winning his first Player of the Week award.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. has contributed significantly to the team’s success despite his limited playing time.
Nuggets Update: Jokic’s Return Looms as Watson Shines
The Denver Nuggets have welcomed some good news with center Nikola Jokic resuming on-court workouts after being out since late December due to a hyperextended left knee. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported this Wednesday during an appearance on NBA Today, sharing that Jokic may return before the end of January if he misses exactly four weeks as initially projected.
According to Charania, the big man is “right on schedule, if not a little bit ahead of schedule.” This suggests that Jokic’s recovery is progressing better than anticipated. Denver has gone 5-3 without him during his absence, and his long-term health remains the primary concern for the team.
Watson’s Impact Continues to Grow
Fourth-year wing Peyton Watson has been a bright spot in the Nuggets’ lineup, putting up excellent numbers (24.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG, .511/.442/.731) over the past eight games. While he has faced some turnover issues as his usage increases, Watson is showing legitimate star potential and earned his first Player of the Week award this week.
“I can’t tell you the last time I’ve won any personal accolade,” said Watson. “It really means a lot to me to be recognized by the league. It’s just more fuel to my fire.
It makes me want to be better and better. I don’t want that to be my first and only. I want it to be the first of many.”
Watson’s performance has been somewhat overlooked during an offseason that also saw the Nuggets add Cameron Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, and Bruce Brown. Veteran swingman Tim Hardaway Jr., signed to a one-year minimum-salary contract last summer, is making significant contributions despite his limited playing time.
Hardaway’s Impact on the Team
Tim Hardaway Jr.’s career-high .463 FG% and .414 3PT% have been notable, and he has become more comfortable in a leadership role. “Tim’s been great,” teammate Jalen Pickett said. “He’s been telling me, ‘Be aggressive, get in there, attack.’ He sees the work that I put in. So, just having a veteran like that, who can read the game and see the game, is great.” Hardaway’s presence has undoubtedly added value to the team.
Injuries Linger: Christian Braun, Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown
Despite the positive developments, Denver continues to face injury concerns. Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) will miss a third straight game on Wednesday in Dallas. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray (left ankle sprain; illness) and Bruce Brown (right knee inflammation) are listed as questionable for back-to-back games.
The Nuggets’ strong play without Jokic has been notable, with the team tied for second-best record in the Western Conference at 27-13. As Jokic returns to the lineup, it will be interesting to see how he integrates with Watson and Hardaway’s growing contributions.
This article provides a detailed look at the current state of the Denver Nuggets, focusing on key player updates and recent performance highlights.