NBA News: Could the Denver Nuggets be worried about Nikola Jokic's future?

The Denver Nuggets have once again failed to significantly improve their roster around superstar Nikola Jokic. The rest of the NBA is likely watching the situation very closely.

NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Nuggets need to be careful that Jokic's future doesn't soon become the hottest topic in the league. Meanwhile, the league itself contradicts a sensational study but also has good news to report: a historic game will take place during the preseason.

An overview of NBA offseason news and rumors.

NBA Rumor: Will Jokic's Future with the Nuggets Become a Whispering Topic?

The Nuggets are once again experiencing a disappointing offseason, which, apart from financial issues and Marvin Bagley III, hasn't brought much new energy to Denver. Alpha Diallo comes from the EuroLeague, Spencer Jones was kept despite OKC's offer sheet, and Tyus Jones was given a new minimum deal. They also picked up two second-rounders (Trevon Brazile, Bryce Hopkins). That's it.

There's no sign of the radical overhaul that was repeatedly discussed at the beginning of free agency. The future of Peyton Watson is still unclear, but Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson, who were considered available at one point, will likely stay. However, rumors might soon grow louder that the only player who was always considered untouchable might leave: Jokic.

The fact that the Nuggets haven't significantly strengthened their team after their surprisingly early playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves is creating suspense for the 'Joker's' future years in the NBA, as insider Marc Stein explained on the DNVR Nuggets Podcast on Monday: 'The Denver Nuggets are currently in the league's spotlight,' Stein revealed. 'There's a lot of curiosity about where this team will go, and let's be honest: Jokic could have signed a contract extension for the second consecutive summer, but he hasn't.'

The center had publicly stated that this decision was purely financial, as Stein also confirmed. However, this doesn't stop the rest of the league from speculating eagerly: 'And even if this is 1,000 percent due to financial reasons, it's making other teams whisper and observe. It will be a topic.'

NBA News: League Contradicts Exciting Study on Injuries

In recent years, the increasing number of Achilles tendon ruptures among stars has become a recurring topic. In the long history of the NBA, no more than four players had suffered the severe injury in a single season until seven players did so in the 2024/2025 season. In the playoffs, the tendon tore within weeks for Damian Lillard, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jayson Tatum.

This was enough reason for UC San Francisco to examine the injuries more closely. A total of 19 Achilles tendon injuries from the last eleven years were analyzed, and various factors were checked. However, only a correlation with the playing time of those affected could be established. In the conclusion of their study, the researchers stated that 'significant load spikes' were identified in the ten to 15 games preceding the injuries.

The NBA took note of the study but saw no reason to implement preventive measures against high workloads. After all, the league itself came to different conclusions.

'Our own comprehensive evaluation of the league's data to date, conducted with independent epidemiologists and consultants, spanned from the 2012/13 season to the present and found no association between Achilles tendon injuries and playing time prior to the injury. We remain committed to advancing research that provides insights into player health, performance, and injury prevention,' stated Dr. John DiFiori, Head of Sports Medicine for the NBA, in a statement to The Athletic on Monday.

NBA News: Special Preseason Game Between Portland Trail Blazers and London Lions

The NBA is much more pleased that a historic preseason game will take place in preparation for the upcoming season. For the first time, an English basketball team, the London Lions, will compete against an NBA team. The Lions will travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on October 12.

Martynas Purlys, GM of the Lions, spoke enthusiastically about an 'important milestone for British basketball.' He hopes the game will significantly boost enthusiasm for the sport in their home country. The Lions won all domestic trophies last season.

The fact that they are the ones to be the first UK team to play against an NBA team has other reasons as well. Last season, the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies already met in London for the NBA Global Games. A regular season game had already taken place in England's capital in 2019. In 2027, the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs will also meet there.

The NBA holds the London location dear, as it is considered one of the markets that could participate in the planned NBA Europe starting in 2027. The duel against the heavily favored Blazers is also no coincidence. Tautvydas Sabonis, the head coach of the Lions, is the son of Arvydas Sabonis, who spent a total of seven seasons as a player with the Portland Trail Blazers between 1995 and 2001, and again between 2002 and 2003.