Veteran forward DeMar DeRozan is among the new Denver Nuggets players facing the challenge of adapting to Colorado’s altitude during the opening stages of training camp.
The Nuggets have begun preparations for the 2026–27 NBA regular season at the University of Colorado Boulder’s facilities, where conditioning and physical intensity have been major priorities.
Head coach David Adelman views the demanding environment as an opportunity to accelerate his players’ fitness levels, particularly compared to organizations conducting their preparations at sea level.
Denver’s initial workouts have featured an energetic pace, with the coaching staff emphasizing defensive accountability and correcting mistakes as players regain their rhythm following the offseason.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic and the team’s other established veterans have been monitoring the younger newcomers and helping them adjust to the organization’s expectations.
The Serbian superstar has already offered a positive assessment of Denver’s roster changes.
“The starting unit is the same, but there’s a bunch of new guys,” said Serbian franchise star Nikola Jokic after practice on Tuesday. “I think they’re going to be good.”
The Nuggets will have their first opportunity to evaluate the new-look roster in competitive action Sunday when they host the Utah Jazz at the CU Events Center.
Denver’s regular-season opener is scheduled for October 22 against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
