Make-or-Break Time: Nikola Jokic’s Injury Opens the Door for Denver’s Young Nuggets Core

As the calendar flipped to 2026, the Denver Nuggets found themselves in uncharted territory. Their three-time MVP and offensive orchestrator, Nikola Jokic, sidelined for at least four weeks with a hyperextended left knee suffered against the Miami Heat on December 29, 2025. Compounding the crisis, key starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle), and Cam Johnson (knee) remain out, while backup center Jonas Valanciunas strained his calf during the New Year’s Eve win over Toronto. The Nuggets, sitting at 23-10 after a gritty 106-103 road victory against the Raptors, are now leaning heavily on their youth to stay afloat in the loaded Western Conference.

This injury wave, while devastating in the short term, presents a golden opportunity—or a make-or-break moment—for several young players on the roster. Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, DaRon Holmes II, Zeke Nnaji, and even two-way standout Spencer Jones are suddenly thrust into expanded roles. For a franchise known for developing homegrown talent like Jamal Murray and Christian Braun, this stretch could define futures: prove you belong in the rotation, secure extensions, or risk falling out of contention for minutes when the veterans return.

The Injury Crisis: A Perfect Storm for Opportunity

The Nuggets’ injury report reads like a nightmare. Jokic’s absence alone is monumental—he was averaging near triple-double numbers (around 29-12-11) and anchoring the league’s most efficient offense. Add Gordon’s athleticism, Braun’s two-way versatility, and Johnson’s spacing, and Denver is missing four starters. Valanciunas’ calf strain in the Raptors game further depletes the frontcourt, forcing coach David Adelman to dig deep into the bench.

Yet, as one Nuggets insider noted, this is “an unintended consequence” that allows the front office an extended evaluation of fringe players. With a seven-game road trip ongoing and tough matchups looming (Cleveland on January 2, then Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Boston), survival mode is on. The young core must step up to prevent a slide down the standings—Denver is just a few games from the play-in in the deep West.

Peyton Watson: From Fringe to Focal Point

At the forefront is 23-year-old forward Peyton Watson, whose breakout has been the silver lining. Already starting due to injuries, Watson exploded for a team-high 24 points and eight rebounds in the win over Toronto, showcasing aggressive scoring, drives, and defensive disruption. Earlier in the season, he posted a career-high 32 points against New Orleans and has shown flashes of becoming a legitimate two-way wing.

Watson’s evolution is critical. Entering 2025-26 on his rookie scale option, he’s eligible for an extension next offseason. Strong play now could cement him as Aaron Gordon’s long-term running mate—or price him out of Denver’s tight salary cap situation, especially after Christian Braun’s big extension. Watson’s shot-blocking prowess (one of the best wing erasers in the league) and improving offense make this his moment to prove he’s more than a role player.

DaRon Holmes II: Rookie Ready to Contribute After Lost Year

DaRon Holmes II, the 2024 first-round pick who missed his entire rookie season with a torn Achilles, is finally seeing the floor. In the Raptors game, the 22-year-old big man came off the bench for 11 points, providing energy and scoring in limited minutes. With Valanciunas potentially sidelined, Holmes could see his first significant rotation time.

Holmes’ skill set—pick-and-pop shooting, rim protection, and mobility—fits perfectly next to Jokic long-term. But with Zeke Nnaji also vying for backup big minutes, this stretch is make-or-break for the former Dayton star. A strong showing could lock him into the rotation; inconsistency might relegate him to the G-League or trade bait.

Jalen Pickett: The Backup Point Guard Conundrum

Jalen Pickett, the 2023 second-rounder, has hovered on the roster’s edge. With no true backup point guard behind Jamal Murray, Pickett logged meaningful minutes against Toronto, contributing 10 points in a depleted lineup. His size (6’4″) and playmaking could shine in spot duty, but decision-making and defense have been question marks.

Denver faces a team option on Pickett for 2026-27. Consistent facilitation and scoring bursts now could earn him that option—and a real role. Otherwise, he risks being the odd man out in a crowded guard group.

Julian Strawther: Microwave Scorer Seeking Consistency

Julian Strawther, another young wing, has shown scoring pops but struggled with efficiency and defense. Injuries open minutes at the 2/3 spots, where Strawther’s shooting could complement Murray. Like Pickett and Holmes, he has a team option looming. Flashes of microwave scoring (as seen in summer league and sporadic regular-season games) need to become reliable output.

Zeke Nnaji and Spencer Jones: Depth Pieces with Upside

Veteran backup Zeke Nnaji, now in his fifth year, gets another chance to prove his worth at power forward/center. His athleticism is undeniable, but consistency has eluded him. Two-way player Spencer Jones has already started games, providing defense and spacing—his play could earn a standard contract.

Broader Implications: Cap Constraints and Future Planning

Denver’s youth movement isn’t just about immediate survival; it’s tied to financial realities. With big money committed to Jokic, Murray, Gordon, and Braun, the bench will rely on cheap, homegrown talent. Players like Holmes, Strawther, Pickett, and others have low-cost team options for 2026-27 totaling around $13 million if exercised. Strong performances now inform those decisions—and could prevent costly free-agent signings.

If these young Nuggets rise to the occasion, Denver emerges stronger, with proven depth for a title push when Jokic returns (potentially before All-Star break). Failure to capitalize might lead to trades or roster shakeups.

Looking Ahead: A Defining Stretch

The Nuggets face Cleveland next, then a gauntlet of Eastern foes before returning home. Jamal Murray will carry the load offensively, but the kids must defend, rebound, and score opportunistically.

This isn’t how anyone drew it up—no team wants to navigate injuries to stars. But for Peyton Watson, DaRon Holmes II, Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawther, and the rest, make-or-break time is here. Step up, and you secure your place in Denver’s contending future. Falter, and the window might narrow.

In the NBA, adversity breeds opportunity. For these young Nuggets, the next month could redefine their careers.