Nikola Jokic Rumors, Timeline to Return to Nuggets Amid 'Rapid' Knee Injury Recovery

Nikola Jokić has not played since Dec. 29 because of a knee injury, but he is reportedly working his way toward a January return.

"Nikola Jokić has resumed on-court workouts for Denver, and he's right on schedule, if not a little bit ahead of schedule for making his return to the lineup by the end of this month," ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday. "That's about that four-week initial early timetable that they had. The Nuggets are optimistic… he's making great progress, rapid progress."

While Jokić suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee during Denver's Dec. 29 loss to the Miami Heat, he avoided a season-ending setback or one that required surgery.

He may also avoid a situation where he would be ineligible for postseason awards and All-NBA recognition if he does return in January. Players must play at least 65 games in a season to be considered for such awards, and Charania pointed out the star big man would have "a window" with a return this month.

When healthy, the three-time MVP is a generational star who led the Nuggets to the 2023 title as the NBA Finals MVP. He is also a seven-time All-NBA selection and seven-time All-Star who is a threat to post a triple-double every time he steps on the floor.

Jokić is averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game this season, which are numbers that would put him firmly in the MVP discussion if he reaches that 65-game threshold.

Denver is 5-3 since his injury and has won four of the last five games. Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have also missed time when the center was sidelined, although Murray and Gordon are back in the lineup.

The Nuggets have managed to do more than just tread water even with Jokić out and sit in third place in the Western Conference standings. If they can remain in such a position by the time he returns, they figure to be one of the top challengers for the reigning-champion Oklahoma City Thunder come playoff time.

But that would require having a healthy Jokić leading the way in the postseason, which it seems like he is on track to be ready to do given the latest update.