Former Denver Nuggets forward Vlatko Cancar has suffered a significant knee injury that will require surgery, casting a shadow over his season with new club San Pablo Burgos. The news arrives as his former NBA team, the Denver Nuggets, are in peak form, having just secured a 128-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on April 13, 2026, to cap a perfect five-game run.
Cancar, a Slovenian international who joined the Spanish club this offseason, tore the medial meniscus in his left knee during a training session. He is scheduled for surgery next Monday in Munich. His recovery timeline remains uncertain and will be determined by his progress following the procedure. This is another tough setback for the 28-year-old, who previously missed significant time with a different knee issue.
Vlatko Cancar sustained a tear of the medial meniscus in his left knee while practicing with San Pablo Burgos. The injury is serious enough to require surgical intervention, which is set for next week in Germany. Medical staff will assess his rehabilitation after the operation before setting a return date.
This is a brutal blow for Cancar, who was looking to rebuild his career in Europe after his time with the Nuggets. His shooting touch, particularly from the perimeter, was a valued asset off the bench during the team's 2023 championship run.
While Cancar is no longer on the roster, his injury is a stark reminder of the physical toll of the game and the fragility of professional careers. For the current Nuggets squad, health remains the single biggest factor in their championship aspirations. The core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. Needs to stay on the court.
The team's recent performance shows just how dominant they can be when fully operational. Their last result was a 128-118 win against the San Antonio Spurs on April 13. That victory extended their winning streak to five games, a run that includes high-scoring affairs like a 136-119 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9 and a 127-107 dismantling of the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 11.
The Nuggets are firing on all cylinders as the 2026 season progresses. Their recent form is impeccable: five wins, zero draws, and zero losses in their last five outings (WWWWW). They are on a five-game winning run that has showed their offensive firepower and defensive improvements.
Let's look at the scorelines. After beating the Golden State Warriors 116-93 on March 30, they edged the San Antonio Spurs 136-134 in a thrilling contest on April 4. Then came the 136-119 victory over Memphis, followed by the 127-107 win against Oklahoma City. The streak culminated with the 128-118 result versus San Antonio on April 13. This run stands in contrast to their last playoff meeting with the Thunder, a 125-93 loss on May 18, 2025, highlighting their growth.
For Vlatko Cancar, the immediate future involves surgery and a long, patient rehabilitation. His focus will be on returning to full fitness for San Pablo Burgos, though no timeline is set. For the Denver Nuggets, the path is clear. They must maintain this elite level of play as they push toward the playoffs.
The consistency of their stars is key. Nikola Jokic continues to post near-triple-doubles nightly, while Jamal Murray's scoring bursts and Michael Porter Jr.'s shooting stretch defenses. Head coach Michael Malone will be tasked with managing minutes and keeping this momentum going through a grueling schedule. The team's ability to avoid the injury bug that has struck their former teammate will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike. Their current streak proves they are a force when healthy.
