Wherever Nikola Jokic goes, the expectation is not less than a title. A similar spotlight followed him with Serbia at EuroBasket. Though the results didn’t match the hype in Europe this NBA season, the Denver Nuggets are firmly in title conversations. Sure, newcomers like Cam Johnson and Bruce Brown add depth, but Jokic remains the backbone of their contender status. While he’s warming up in the preseason, the Joker has quietly been shouldering the immense pressure and reflected on his return to the States.

After the Nuggets’ latest practice, Nikola Jokic opened up about quietly battling fatigue over the past few weeks. When a reporter asked if he felt jet-lagged returning from Serbia, the Serbian superstar kept it candid. “Oh, like 10 days. I’m not going to lie,” Jokic admitted. “It was really rough. It was a rough one. It’s so easy when I go back home like this. When I come here, it’s I was struggling. But it’s good.”

Yes, this offseason was unlike any other. After a long time, Nikola Jokic represented Serbia at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, competing across four countries in Europe. While he thrives back home, the nonstop travel and high-intensity schedule tested even the three-time MVP, making his return to Denver’s training camp more physically taxing than usual. And even as he shines on the court, there’s no doubt that Joker is feeling the physical toll of international travel and a demanding preseason.

Also, Serbia’s early exit after a Round of 16 loss to Finland only added to the pain, leaving Jokic drained from the long stint overseas, where he scored 22.3 ppg and 9 rebounds playing an average of 27 minutes. But the good news for Nuggets fans is he’s now past that feeling and the jet-lag phase. Jokic is feeling much stronger, ready to shoulder the heavy expectations for Denver’s 2025–26 campaign. His recovery is crucial, as the team’s championship hopes largely hinge on the Joker staying healthy and in peak form.

Despite Jokic’s internal struggles, the big man has not let that affect his first two preseason games, making some valuable contributions against Minnesota and Toronto. The Nuggets superstar scored 14 points in 19 minutes of action in Denver’s preseason opener against the Wolves.

Meanwhile, he also put up a solid 17-point, six-rebound, and five-assist performance on Tuesday against the Raptors. So, it’s safe to say that he’ll be back in full swing once the regular season starts, but can the same be said about his new teammate?

Nikola Jokic hands out some valuable advice to Cam Johnson

Nikola Jokic isn’t the only Denver Nuggets star who seems to be having a tough preseason. His new teammate, Cam Johnson, is also going through a rough patch at the moment. The small forward, who joined the team during the summer and is expected to fill in for the outgoing Michael Porter Jr., hasn’t had the start he would’ve hoped for. Even though it’s still pretty early for anyone to be concerned about his performances, the Joker still had a few wise words for Johnson after the team’s recent training session.

When reporters asked about what he thinks about his new teammate and how he’s adjusting so far, Nikola Jokic gave an honest answer. “He’s like thinking over much and like he’s trying to fit in,” he said. “I told him, don’t try to fit in. You’re a really important part of this offense. Be yourself and don’t try to think, Should I do this or should I do that? Just play your game and be aggressive in the moment or in the role that you given.”

Two preseason games in, Cam Johnson has totaled just 13 points and two assists, a modest start even Jokic recognizes. Johnson needs to stay natural on the court, play aggressively, and focus on understanding the role assigned by coach David Adelman to get his rhythm better. For Denver, it’s about players settling into the system and building confidence ahead of the regular season.

Cam Johnson looks set to be a key addition to the Nuggets, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s expected to start in Denver’s revamped lineup. Last season with the Nets, Johnson put up a strong campaign, averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. As the Nuggets prepare to take on the Clippers next, all eyes will be on whether he heeds Jokic’s advice, plays aggressively, and adapts seamlessly to his new role in a team with championship aspirations.