On October 1st, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had an ice pack wrapped around his right wrist during an interview after training. However, Jokic appeared quite relaxed, saying, "Don't worry , I'm under control. "

Jokic revealed that the wrist problem existed as early as six years ago, but it did not substantially affect his performance. From three regular season MVPs to leading his team to a championship, Jokic proved with his performance that this old injury did not prevent him from becoming one of the most dominant players in the league.

For the Nuggets, protecting their core player is paramount this season. They bolstered their bench this offseason, adding Valanciunas as a backup center to give Jokic more breathing room when needed. Compared to last season, when injuries forced them to resort to a small-ball lineup, the Nuggets are now more confident.

In addition to Valanciunas, the team also welcomed new players such as Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Jokic spoke positively about the new lineup, but he also admitted that it would take time to get used to it.

Despite the resurfacing of a recurring wrist injury, Jokic's demeanor reassured fans. He's been dealing with injuries throughout his career, yet he's consistently performed at a top level. With increased roster depth, the Nuggets have reason to believe they can more confidently protect their core players in the new season while continuing their pursuit of the highest honors.