Cam Johnson Out 4-6 Weeks After Knee Injury; Nuggets Suffer
UPDATE: Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson is sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks due to a hyperextended right knee, the team confirmed just hours before their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day. The injury occurred during Tuesday’s matchup in Dallas, prompting an MRI that revealed a bone bruise—a fortunate outcome given the potential for serious ligament damage.
This latest injury marks the third time this season that a Nuggets starter will miss a significant stretch of games. Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) have also been absent throughout December. Head coach David Adelman is hopeful that at least one of them could return during an upcoming seven-game road trip.
Johnson, who is averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his first season with the Nuggets, was traded from Brooklyn in June in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick. After a slow start to the season, Johnson had found his rhythm, averaging 14.6 points on 52.3% shooting from three-point range over the last 17 games.
His absence is particularly felt as he had become a crucial part of the Nuggets’ offensive strategy, providing spacing and shooting alongside stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The injury raises concerns given Johnson’s history, which includes a meniscus surgery in 2022 and missing a total of 89 games over three seasons with Brooklyn and Phoenix.
In light of this setback, the Nuggets will need to rely on their bench as they aim to maintain their momentum. With Johnson out, the team’s depth will be tested, especially during the busy holiday schedule. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the health of the roster as they prepare for critical games ahead.
Stay tuned for updates as the Nuggets navigate these challenges and look to overcome the loss of yet another key player.
