"Doctor, What Are You Going to Do with That?" Jokic's Teammate Endured Six-Hour Surgery Where Doctors Removed Rib Piece by Piece

Pulse Sports Team 06:12 - 19 October 2026

New Denver Nuggets acquisition Cam Whitmore survived a severe battle with venous thrombosis and had a full rib removed to return to the hardwood—now playing alongside Nikola Jokic.

Cam Whitmore is a new addition to the Denver Nuggets frontcourt, and his journey proves that perseverance through adversity truly pays off.

Whitmore's career was nearly cut short when he was forced to undergo surgery for venous thrombosis, during which surgeons had to remove one of his ribs. Now, life has rewarded him with the opportunity to share the court with Nikola Jokic, widely regarded as the best basketball player in the world today.

That reward arrived much sooner than expected, considering his serious health scare occurred around New Year's—just ten months ago.

"It was definitely a dark time in my life. I was a bit depressed." - Cam Whitmore

During surgery, doctors discovered that the rib was compressing Whitmore's blood vessels and restricting blood flow, which caused the clot. Over the course of a six-hour procedure, surgeons removed his rib piece by piece—and showed it to him once he woke up.

Upon seeing the bone in a plastic bag, he asked the medical staff what they were going to do with it. When they answered "nothing," he asked if he could keep it. He now keeps the rib at home as a permanent reminder of the hardest period of his life and a reason to appreciate every single day.

Months of rehabilitation followed, involving blood thinners and an arduous, gradual return to the court.

"I'll do whatever Jokic asks without hesitation"

Whitmore has since signed with the Nuggets and admitted to reporters that he is eager to learn from Nikola Jokic.

"I've never shared a locker room with veterans of this caliber before. Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray... If they tell me I need to do something differently, I'll do it without question." - Cam Whitmore

The Nuggets are counting on his athletic upside, though it is clear he will need time to fully integrate into their system.

Previously linked with Partizan

Whitmore was previously linked with a potential move to Partizan Belgrade. His long-term future remains to be seen if he fails to carve out a permanent role in Denver, where he is currently on a $678,882 deal for the season, with $91,000 guaranteed.

His projected earnings for the campaign will rise by an additional $45,500 if Denver does not waive him before Tuesday's opening day of the NBA regular season.