Nikola Jokic injury history - Denver Nuggets star’s major physical setbacks throughout his career

Nikola Jokic is one of the highest-paid athletes in the NBA. The former NBA Finals MVP has made a name for himself ever since he joined the league in 2015. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and has been playing for the team ever since. The athlete even led the team to their championship win in 2023. However, it is worth mentioning that Jokic has had his fair share of physical setbacks throughout his career to date.

Nikola faced some major injuries throughout his career. This kept him away from the court for quite some time. However, he made sure to leave a mark every time he returned to the court. The athlete’s most recent injury came during the game against the Miami Heat. He suffered a severe knee injury and did not return for the second half of the game. While fans await an update on his setback, let’s take a look at all the major injuries sustained by the Nuggets star throughout his career.

Nikola Jokic’s injuries over the years

NBA athletes are prone to injuries due to the extreme nature of the game. And Nikola Jokic is no exception. The Denver Nuggets star faced multiple traumatic and non-traumatic injuries throughout his career. While some of them have sidelined the player for a long period of time, other injuries did not affect the gameplay of athlete significantly. Listed below are some of the major injuries sustained by the athlete.

• 2025 Left Knee Injury - This was the most recent injury sustained by Jokic. It came during the final minutes of the first half of the game against the Miami Heat. Jokic accidentally stepped on the toes of his teammate, Spencer Jones’ foot. Jokic left the court limping and did not return for the second half of the game. A detailed report from the team is awaited.

• 2025 Ankle Impingement and Right Shooting Elbow Contusion - The year does not look good for the athlete in terms of injury. During the first half of the year, Jokic, along with Jamal Murray, had to sit out a few games due to their injuries. Jokic suffered from an ankle impingement that restricted his movements and even a contusion to his right shooting elbow. Michael Malone, the coach of the Denver Nuggets, strictly ordered the athlete to rest. Jokic missed multiple games due to his ankle injury.

• 2024 Hip Injury - This was one major recurring injury sustained by the athlete. During the early months of 2024, Jokic suffered from left hip inflammation. This limited him from appearing in several games during that year. The player often appeared questionable in the injury reports of the team before most of the games.

• 2023 Hamstring Injury - During the early months of 2023, Jokic sustained hamstring tightness. This made him miss two back-to-back games. However, his absence was short-lived and the athlete returned strong against the New Orleans Pelicans. In that game, Jokic racked up 25 points with 11 rebounds and 10 assists. However, owing to his recovery process, the player had to miss the very next game.

• 2017 Left Ankle Sprain - It was his third year in the league and the athlete faced a major injury in the game against the Chicago Bulls. Even though the Nuggets racked up a win, there was an unfortunate incident for the team. Their star player Jokic had to exit the game midway through during the final minutes of the first half. He left the court and did not return for the remaining game. The injury was sustained when Jokic accidentally stepped on Jerian Grant’s foot. Jokic had to miss quite a few games but it was not a prolonged absence.

What are Nikola Jokic’s other injury histories?

Nikola Jokic is one of the toughest athletes out there. He has managed several games, sustaining minor injuries like occasional wrist, toe, arm and elbow injuries as well as illness. The major ones that have sidelined him for a comparatively longer period of time have been listed above. His recent knee injury is one of the most concerning ones. The reports are yet to be out. Fans will have to wait and find out if the injury is going to keep the athlete away for a longer period of time.

Also Read: Is Nikola Jokic alright? Denver Nuggets star exits game midway through against Miami Heat

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here