Nuggets superstar will join the team in Orlando in a couple of days

A couple of weeks ago, Nuggets’ superstar Nikola Jokic had tested positive for the coronavirus while he was in his native Serbia. There was speculation that he would return to Denver before the team leaves for Orlando for the resumption of the season in the NBA bubble.

The Denver Post reported Jokic’s positive test and during the same day what was also divulged was the fact that tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, he and his wife also had tested positive for the virus.

Jokic and Djokovic had spent time together early in June at an event, however, we can’t assume what actually happened and both got afflicted with the virus.

Recently, he was subjected to multiple tests (when he was in Serbia but also after his return in Denver) and all of them came out negative so he will be expected to join his team in Orlando in the near future.

“So, we’ve heard from him,” said Nuggets power forward Paul Millsap. “[It] seems like he’s doing well. But as of now, I don’t know his status or [have] any insight for you.”

Nuggets head coach Mike Malone said during a Zoom call with reporters on Friday that the arrived in Orlando on Tuesday and Jokic is expected to join them as soon as possible.

Coach Malone didn’t desire to give further information regarding this matter, but what he pointed out was that his players have fully committed to preparing for the season which will set out late in July.

“Let’s be honest. We don’t have our whole team here right now, and we’re not gonna get in[to] any details on that,” Malone said. “But we’re waiting on some of our players to get down here. With the players that we have, we’re treating it as an opportunity to get back in the gym to reconnect on the court, to get some conditioning in, to get some competitive drills in and kind of revisiting offensive and defensive fundamentals, and foundational parts of our team.

“But this is not like going to day one of practice down in Colorado Springs last year. It’s a little bit different. This whole thing is different in that regard. That’s how we’re approaching it. But so far, I think the guys that are here, the commitment, the buy-in, the energy, the excitement, has been terrific. And we hope that will continue moving forward.”

Yesterday, Jokic’s teammate Jamak Murray stated that he would be happy to see him back with the team solely in case he doesn’t pollute the bubble: “If he doesn’t have (coronavirus) then that’s good. So I hope he doesn’t have it when he comes here and doesn’t contaminate the bubble. It will be good to have all of our teammates back.”

Jokic has had an exceptional season averaging 20.2 points per game in 32.3 playing time, 10.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.2 steals. He played and started in all 65 games and he was shooting 52.8% from the field, 31.4% from the perimeter and 81.3% from the free-throw line.

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