Denver Nuggets rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay’s injury update is going to be a little longer than expected. It was thought the rookie could be back for tonight’s contest against the Utah Jazz, but he’ll be out tonight and perhaps a little while longer, according to Chris Dempsey.
#Nuggets G Emmanuel Mudiay (ankle) is out of tonight’s game vs. Utah. He did not participate in shootaround.
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) December 18, 2015
Mudiay’s timetable is said to be anywhere from 10 days to 2 weeks. And this is the seventh day. So he’s got a ways to go. #Nuggets
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) December 18, 2015
The Nuggets have seven games to close out 2015, and if we take two weeks to mean 14 days – that could mean Mudiay will miss the team’s next three games against the Pelicans (Dec. 20th), Lakers (Dec. 22nd) and Suns (Dec. 23rd). However, his return could also come at any time, depending on how he’s feeling.
Mudiay is working out a bit, as he was on the floor in Utah today working on his handle – here is some video from Nuggets strength and conditioning coach Steve Hess via Instagram.
Jusuf Nurkic update:
As my colleague, Harrison Wind, had yesterday, Jusuf Nurkic has been cleared for full contact practice with the team. He wasted little time getting back on the court as he was an active participant at shoot around in Utah today, according to Chris Dempsey.
Jusuf Nurkic participated in shootaround, his first since being cleared yesterday for full contact.
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) December 18, 2015
#Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Nurkic was so excited, he “looked like a kid that came down(stairs) on Christmas morning”
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) December 18, 2015
Nurkic’s return is important for so many reasons. He will give the team a legitimate rim protector in the paint, he’s an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor, and on the defensive end he’s also shown signs of being a very good outlet passer (which starts the fast break), will be a post presence on the offensive end, can space the floor a little with his shooting and passing and he gives the team another level of toughness as the Bosnian Beast isn’t afraid to mix it up with anybody.
The return of both players will give the Nuggets a much needed boost to a team that is finding a bit of a groove.
0 Comments (1 conversation)
This is another good test at Utah to gauge the improving production and maturity of this team. Hopefully Foye has another good shooting night against his former team(s). Time off for Mudiay is good right now for his adjustment to the NBA and for the team chemistry to improve its efficiency/rotations by the time he starts again. Denver is going to surprise the League when Nurkic gets back because they will increase their physical presence and they will flood opposing teams with their frontcourt depth. With Mudiay’s ability to drop dimes, all we will need is a consistent shooter at the SG/SF spot (starter or bench player) to map out Denver’s road to the playoffs. Most of our player and team success offensively and defensively will occur below the free throw line extended area, we just need one more shooter to develop or to emerge via trade-it may be better to wait for Chandler. Nonetheless, Denver still has a good chance to make the playoffs because the 8th seed is easier to get this year.