Jokic Says Nuggets Need Health to Contend

Nikola Jokic says staying healthy is the Denver Nuggets’ biggest need to return to championship contention after injuries hampered their recent seasons, including a first-round playoff exit in 2025-26. When their starters were available last season, Denver performed strongly, but injuries limited how often the full group played together. Jokic has also argued that the NBA’s unprecedented run of different champions reflects the league’s depth of talent, while the Nuggets’ repeated playoff losses—including two to Minnesota—have raised doubts about their ability to contend. He has continued to demonstrate his individual impact, recording a 22-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in a preseason win and remaining central to Denver’s hopes.