Nikola Jokic enters Nuggets season opener at full strength

Troy Renck projects the center's finest campaign yet

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 38m1 min read

#Nuggets finally get full Nikola Jokic — and this should be best version yet: https://t.co/QFDUd1CNLJ Via @TroyRenck on X

What happened: After spending the offseason with his horse, the same Nikola Jokic who reported to Nuggets media day in shape completed a full exhibition schedule for Denver. He highlighted the tune-up slate by threading an unlikely pass in the Oct. 5 preseason opener before wrapping camp the following week.

Why it matters: Denver relies on the center as its offensive fulcrum for the 2026-27 campaign, making his conditioning central to the club's championship ceiling. Opening the schedule without physical limitations gives the Nuggets immediate continuity.

By the numbers: Jokic tallied 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 133-128 preseason finale win on Oct. 12 and begins the campaign 12 triple-doubles shy of the all-time NBA career record.

What to watch: The Nuggets tip off their regular season tonight, Oct. 22, at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN.

Sources

@TroyRenck 2026-10-22T22:45:15.251493+00:00

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