Nikola Jokic believes health will decide the Denver Nuggets’ chances to emerge as NBA champions again.

For the Denver Nuggets to be the NBA’s best once again, Nikola Jokic believes health will be a major factor.

The three-time NBA MVP stressed injuries as the primary roadblock to why they haven’t been able to reach the top since 2023.

“I mean, definitely, we need to stay healthy,” Jokic said about what the Nuggets need to be champions again in an interview video by Complex Sports. “That’s going to be the No. 1 key for us. We failed on that part for a couple of years, I think like two or three years. 

“Seems like we were not healthy when we needed it the most. And then, I think staying healthy or being healthy is the No. 1 thing.”

Injuries ruined Nuggets’ chances to win more NBA titles

Since winning their first-ever title, the Denver Nuggets have failed to meet championship expectations amid the brilliance of Nikola Jokic.

Truly, injuries have been a huge thorn in their side. While they have been dominant in the regular season, health luck has been elusive for the Nuggets in recent postseasons.

Jamal Murray was dealing with a calf strain as the Nuggets faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2024 playoffs. Denver eventually lost the series in seven games, ending its hopes of winning back-to-back championships.

The Nuggets endured another seven-game exit in the second round to the eventual champion OKC Thunder during the 2025 Playoffs, as both Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder) and Aaron Gordon (leg, hamstring) were significantly banged up.

Last season was the most challenging for the Nuggets, as Jokic himself missed 16 consecutive games with a hyperextended knee during the regular season. As most of their core players have dealt with injuries, with both Gordon and Peyton Watson also missing games, the Nuggets took another painful elimination from the Timberwolves in the opening round.  

Jokic and the Nuggets are hoping to have a successful bounce-back 2026-27 season, with staying healthy being key to their championship hopes.

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