But that is little comfort for the 1.94m small forward.
The Canadian-born 26-year-old injured a ligament in his right knee during a training session on Tuesday night and will spend the next two to three weeks on crutches.
A full recovery is expected to take six to eight weeks.
It was a frustrating end to what has been, by his own admission, a mediocre season.
He transferred to the Nuggets (2-15) from the Harbour Heat with hopes of lifting the franchise's standing.
But the outside shooter has struggled to find his range and has, at times, lost confidence.
"I wish I would have kept my confidence up when we were going through some tough times this season," Charleton said.
"I never questioned my ability. But I was tentative because I wasn't sure if other people wanted me shooting. When you're tentative you end up missing a lot more than you make."
No doubt some loss of confidence came about because of the disruptions the franchise endured.
An import shuffle saw Lemar Gayle replace Rahsaan Smith after just two games, and Antoine Tisby switch with Jay Anderson.
The Nuggets lost starting point guard Nat Connell when he was suspended for a cannabis violation, and back-up centre Jason Greig broke his leg.
Late last month Gayle quit the Nuggets when the franchise fined him $500 for inappropriate behaviour.
"I guess some of the pieces didn't come together as well as hoped," Charleton said, when asked about the setbacks. I'm a bit disappointed in my own play.
"I think there are a few different reasons that contributed to that . . . but I'm back to my normal self and my confidence is back."
Charleton's last game for the Nuggets was arguably his best for the franchise.
In the absence of Gayle he flourished on offence, scoring 27 points including five three-pointers.
He delivered the sort of performance the Nuggets expected when they signed him, and Charleton was looking forward to building on it and finishing the season on a high.
"Any time you get injured it's frustrating regardless of the situation. But even more so, I guess, because the guys were given an opportunity [in the] last game to play as a team, and will have another opportunity against Canterbury which I can't be part of."
Charleton flies to Auckland on June 11 and then to Canada on June 16, where he had a job in construction lined up.
In September he begins a marketing degree and is unsure whether he will return to New Zealand to play in the National Basketball League.
The Otago under-17 team that beat Auckland 69-64 to claim the national title has further cause to celebrate.
Small forward Samara Gallaher was named tournament MVP, while team-mates Caroline Crowley and Renee Johnson were included in the 10-strong tournament team.
Promising forward Sam King was named in the boys under-19 tournament team.
