Nikola Jokic’s long battle with a right wrist injury has resurfaced on the first day of practice in Denver Nuggets training camp ahead of the 2025-26 season.
It’s not a big deal as he’s fought this pain for years, but it is notable anytime the three-time MVP is dealing with an issue. How not important is it? Well, he was one of the best 3-point shooters in the league last year despite the hindrance, but it has cost him games in the past, and some theorized it tanked his deep-range shooting percentage when he first picked up the injury back in November of 2021. Similarly, an arm injury to his elbow last year impacted his shooting for a time as well and cost him some action.
So yeah, he’s gone on to win two MVPs, a Finals MVP and a ring with this right wrist pain. It actually even popped up during the 2023 title run, but the long rest the Denver Nuggets got between sweeping the Lakers and facing the Heat in the Finals allowed him time to recover. It came back into the fold in 2024, when late in the season, his appearance on the court surprised the coaching staff given the pain.
Anyway, Jokic was icing his right wrist on Tuesday, according to the Denver Post, which is there in San Diego.
Nikola Jokic’s right wrist was wrapped up with an ice bag after Nuggets’ first practice of training camp. He says it’s the same on-and-off minor injury he’s been dealing with for years, that it’s no problem some days, bothersome others.
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) September 30, 2025
The Nuggets have a few more days of practice in Southern California before taking on Minnesota in an exhibition over the weekend, which marks the start of their preseason.
Jokic is once again the favorite to capture this year’s MVP, despite being snubbed in two of the last three seasons for the award. He has been ranked by nearly every preseason poll as the greatest living basketball player in the world.
Joker’s goal is a title in June, and the Nuggets should have a lot more horses to help the Serbian superstar.
