Nikola Jokic (Image Credits: Imagn)

Nuggets Coach Voices Frustration Over League Rule Impacting Nikola Jokic’s Season

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Ayushi Bhardwaj | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 5:01 PM ET

Durability has long defined Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. For nearly a decade, Jokic showed up nightly, rarely missing games. That reliability now sits at the center of a growing debate tied to health, timing, and league policy.

Concern rose in Denver after Nikola Jokic suffered a left knee bone bruise earlier this month. While tests ruled out major damage, the injury marked his first serious absence. Even a short break now threatens something larger than wins and losses.

Before Denver’s January 10, 2026, game, Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman addressed the issue. “I understand the 65 game rule, but a guy who NEVER misses games for a decade, it bothers me a little bit.“ His words reflected frustration beyond the injury itself.

“I understand the 65 game rule, but a guy who NEVER misses games for a decade, it bothers me a little bit.”

“This is not somebody who sits out. He NEVER sits out.”

David Adelman on Nikola Jokic ️ pic.twitter.com/wRKzjFO2Jq
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 10, 2026

Adelman expanded on Jokic’s mindset during recovery. “This is not somebody who sits out. He NEVER sits out.” Nikola Jokic remains day-to-day, lifting and testing his knee, while gauging soreness the following morning rather than during workouts.

The Longest Absence of Nikola Jokic’s Career

Nikola Jokic (Image Credits: Imagn)

This stretch already stands apart. Jokic has always been very reliable and has never missed more than 12 games at most during a single season. Now that the doctors have assigned him a one-month recovery period, he will be out for almost 16 games, which is a very unusual situation for him, as he is considered a player of constant presence on the court.

Nikola Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists over the 35 games that he played out of the 41 games played by the team up to that point. These statistics guaranteed him a position in the MVP race before the injury affected his performance.

The team in Denver has gone 3-3 in six games without Jokic, showing some resilience, but the impact of his absence remains clear. His absence was a clear indicator of how much steadiness he gives the team.

As Jokic rehabs, Denver waits. The rule remains unchanged, the injury clock keeps ticking, and one of the league’s most reliable stars faces uncertainty despite doing everything right for years.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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