The Joker is in hiding!? The 2024 MVP has missed 3 straight games this season so far. Without him, the Denver Nuggets are 1-2. And Nikola Jokic was not present at the practice today due to ‘personal reasons.’

Before this chaotic period, however, Jokic was once again showcasing his brilliance on the court. Over 10 games, he’s delivered jaw-dropping performances with averages of 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game. He’s also snagged 1.7 steals each night! What’s truly remarkable? His efficiency. The Serb knocked down 56.3% of his shots from the field and an unbelievable 56.4% from three-point range.

As reported by Katy Winge of Altitude TV, Nikola Jokic is staying with his family, and the team remains uncertain about his availability for Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Dallas Mavericks. “Nikola Jokić was not at Nuggets practice today (he remains with his family) and his status is still up in the air for tomorrow against the Mavericks,” she wrote. He has been listed as questionable against the Mavs.

This came after Winge first reported Jokic’s absence before the Nuggets took on the Pelicans on November 15. “Nikola Jokić is officially out tonight vs the Pelicans for personal reasons,” she wrote. Denver lost that game 94-101. And then, for the following game against the Grizzlies, the Altitude TV reporter issued another update: “Out of respect for Nikola’s wishes, we aren’t going to say anything more about the personal reasons he is missing tonight’s game. I can confirm that he and his family are fine, and there is nothing to be alarmed about!”

However, this didn’t stop ‘The Joker’s fans from worrying, especially considering how the Nuggets were functioning (or rather, weren’t) without their star. That said, Denver did manage a 122-110 win over the Grizzlies on Tuesday, thanks to big performances from key players. Jamal Murray stepped up as the offensive leader, dropping 27 points and dishing out six assists. Michael Porter Jr. made his presence felt with a solid double-double, tallying 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Adding to the effort, 23-year-old Christian Braun delivered an impressive 19 points along with 7 rebounds, helping to secure the victory. Denver showcased its depth, proving the team can hold its own even without their MVP. But there’s no denying that they are, in fact, much more effective when Jokic is on the floor. 

Per Bally Sports reporter Jeremy Taché, the best offensive rating over one season in NBA history is 123.2. The Nuggets, with Jokic on the court this season, have a rating of 125.8. That said, after the win against Memphis, head coach Michael Malone addressed his talisman’s situation: “No idea about Friday (vs. Mavericks). There’s no news out of Denver, so we’ll revisit that when we get home. Kind of see where everything’s going with his family.”

From the latest update, it’s evident that Nikola Jokic is still attending to personal commitments, and that’s got fans wondering where their star center is.

Fans pour in love and ‘understand’ beloved big man Nikola Jokic’s dedication to his family

Fans are now concerned about the big man’s absence. One user tweeted, “Do we have any idea whats going on!?” While it is understandable that a player requires privacy in matters involving their family, when the person is a 3x MVP, the community will obviously start to ask questions. Plus, the city of Denver loves Jokic, so it is only fair they are concerned about him. After all his mural is painted in the city!

Another netizen was worried about the 6-foot-11 center’s family and if everything was okay. They wrote, “Hopefully, things are going well for Jokic Family”. Given how Nikola Jokic carries himself—with humility and quiet strength—it’s no surprise that fans have rallied behind him during this period. There is nothing to worry about, as Katy Winge confirmed, and there is nothing to be “alarmed.”

One user wrote, “Hope everything is ok with Jokic,” echoing the collective sentiment of Nuggets Nation. It’s not just about the team missing their cornerstone player; it’s more about the person behind the accolades. And it is known that he is a dedicated family man.

One more fan expressed their opinion; they tweeted, “As long as everyone’s okay.“ Fans aren’t just worried about the Nuggets’ lineup; they’re genuinely hoping everything is fine in Jokic’s personal life. The Serb rarely misses games without significant reason. The outpouring of love and support underscores just how much Jokic means to the fanbase—not just as a player, but as a person.

But one person didn’t care about all this. They wrote, “When’s he gonna play.” Straight to business. Looks like someone’s losing money with Jokic out of the team! Just joking. But there is no update on when he’ll return. Your guess will be as good as ours.

As Michael Malone said, “There’s no news out of Denver, so we’ll revisit that when we get home. Kind of see where everything’s going with his family.” For now, Nuggets fans wait patiently, trusting that their superstar will return when the time is right.