If you look closely at Nikola Jokic's arms, you will see the remnants of multiple long cuts, or perhaps a fresh one that hasn't fully healed. Those are the results of the constant physicality that he deals with while playing in games. He's self-admittedly been one of the most scratched-up players in the league for years now.
"I lead the league in scratches. I'm always bleeding -- I'm used to it. I am going to wear sleeves next year -- 100 percent," Jokic told ESPN reporter Ohm Youngmisuk back in 2019.
Jokic didn't make good on that promise, and his arms have continued to suffer because of it. He's had multiple noteworthy scratches on both arms since that interview was conducted.
Gettin a little physical between Nuggets and Grizzlies.
— Bally Sports (@BallySports) February 26, 2023
Jokic’s cut . . . ouch. @nuggets | @GrizzOnBally #NBA pic.twitter.com/rUuJcboV2X
Jokic bleeding from both arms. lol. Has about 10 huge scratches.
— Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) January 1, 2020
There's not a totally clear reason why Jokic's arms get so scratched up relative to other players in the league. He does play an extremely physical brand of basketball. He led the league in post ups per the NBA's tracking data. He also gets fouled a lot — he was 11th in personal fouls drawn, with 392 during the regular season.
Jokic certainly hasn't let the scratching and clawing hamper his play on the court. The two-time MVP winner has already made five All-Star games and five All-NBA appearances in only eight years in the league.
Jokic has also managed to stay relatively healthy, missing only 41 games for his career. He's been in the top 20 in minutes played in three of his eight years, including finishing third in the league during the 2020-21 season.
For what it's worth, Jokic doesn't seem to be too worried about all of the scratches. After getting two nasty ones on his arm when playing the Grizzlies, he gave his opinion on the physicality that he faces in a postgame on-court interview.
"I mean, to be honest, I'm wrestling with my brothers since I'm 4. So I can wrestle a long time, a long time."
