It is code red in the Denver Nuggets frontcourt. In back-to-back games, they lost Nikola Jokic and his backup Jonas Valanciunas to injuries, further stretching an already depleted roster. With most starters sidelined and Jamal Murray risking an aggravated ankle, Denver is running out of options fast. Help is urgently needed, and it is not coming from within the current rotation.

Fortunately, an NBA rule clears the way for them to fill the void. 10 days into 2026, the Nuggets office will be able to acquire some healthy backups till Jokic can return. Which centers would fill Joker’s void?

NBA provides relief for Denver’s hardship

Nikola Jokic will take a month to rehab from a hyperextension of his knee. Jonas Valanciunas, who was acquired this offseason to take the load off Jokic, suffered a calf strain in the first game he started in Jokic’s place. Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun won’t be back anytime soon, either. But the Nuggets don’t have to wait till the end of January to replenish their rotation.

On January 5, they will have a window after Jonas misses three games. The Nuggets will be able to make a hardship signing to fill their roster spot. After this news, fans immediately floated ideas about who Denver should sign. These are the popular choices (not actual contenders).

Top Stories

Kyrie Irving Breaks Silence After Injury Return Update Emerges

Prayers Pour In For Napheesa Collier After Unfortunate Health Announcement

Is Austin Reaves Dating YouTuber SteveWillDoIt’s Ex-Girlfriend? Fact Checking Viral Claim

Michael Jordan Could Have Repaired Scottie Pippen Relationship if He Wanted To: Former Teammate

Are Nuggets Signing DeMarcus Cousins? Fact Checking the Viral News

1. Moses Brown

The G-League player is the most logical choice by proximity. He plays for the Grand Rapids Gold, the affiliate of the Nuggets.

2. DeMarcus Cousins

This one’s a little extreme, but a fantasy setup. Boogie currently plays overseas, but fans haven’t given up on his potential NBA return.

3. Dwight Howard

Another defender fans want to see return to the NBA. He most recently played in the BIG3 with the LA Riot. He came very close to the championship before losing to Michael Beasley’s Miami 305.

4. DaRon Holmes

Holmes is already on the Nuggets roster. He could have a bigger role now while the team is on the hunt for a hardship signing. Although a forward, he’s a big man at 6’9″ who could space the floor.

5. Mo Bamba

He signed a 1-year contract with the Raptors two days ago. But fans are disappointed that they skipped the chance to put him in the game. Under the assumption that he’d be waived when Jakob Poeltl returns, fans think he could make the hardship cut for the Nuggets.

6. Peyton Watson

He suddenly emerged as the readymade solution to the Nuggets’ dilemma. The 23-year-old posted a near double-double with 24 points, eight rebounds, and two steals in last night’s 106-103 victory over the Raptors. Fans are already calling for a bigger role for him.

For now, Denver’s priority is survival rather than splash. Any move will be about minutes, physicality, and buying time until Jokic returns, not finding a long-term answer. Whether the Nuggets lean on an internal option or take a flyer on a familiar veteran, the next few weeks will test their depth, creativity, and resilience more than any stretch this season.