Nuggets reportedly optimistic Nikola Jokic will be back playing by the All-Star break

Key Highlights

• On Sunday night in Brooklyn, Jokić was in Denver's locker room in good spirits.
• While he hasn't returned to the court yet, he's well underway in his rehabilitation and has been able to be aggressive with it. If Jokic's return falls near the All-Star Game, it will be interesting to see how he and the Nuggets handle it.
• While Jokic says it's an honor to be voted in by fans, and this year will feature a USA vs.
• World format for the game as it returns to NBC during the middle of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, it's no secret Jokic doesn't really love playing in the exhibition All-Star Game itself.
• He and the Nuggets are not going to delay a return just to avoid it, but if his return is on that bubble, there will be conversations. The return timeline impacts a few other things as well, including Jokic meeting the 65-game threshold to be eligible for any postseason awards (if he is not back by the Jan.