Is Nikola Jokic Third MVP in Sight?
Nikola Jokic, a center for the Denver Nuggets, entered the NBA as a low draft pick coming in as the 41st pick for the Denver Nuggets. Jokic has been setting the standards when it comes to NBA success starting off early December; with the titles for most points scored, most assists and most rebounds. Over the nine seasons in the NBA Jokic has played, he has reinvented himself, as one of the most dominant players on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Averaging about 30 points a game and also collecting 29 triple-doubles this season alone, totaling overall 129 triple-doubles. This monstrous player also has a very high Basketball IQ making it easy for him to involve his teammates, knowing where one another will be throughout a play giving him the ability to pass the ball around with ease. In last night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans he hit a no-look pass to his teammate Aaron Gordon, a Power Forward for the Denver Nuggets which resulted in a dunk.
Jokic has also received many accolades throughout his time with the NBA. In his 2021 and 2022 season earning two MVP awards, following that. He led his team to their first ever NBA championship against the Miami Heat in the 2023 season and earned his first finals MVP. This dominant player has become a fan favorite.
AAron Ontiveroz / Denver Post / Getty
Some believe that the person chosen for the MVP award is based on the player’s skill level. Others believe after last year's MVP pick, the title isn’t necessarily picked based on their skill level, but the backstory of the player. Last year’s pick, Joel Embiid, a power forward for the Philadelphia 76er’s gained MVP status because of his story and not necessarily his talent. It’s been discussed that last year's MVP award should have been given to Jokic because of his skills and talent. This year the narrative surrounding the award has refocused on individual player skills and talents which are two attributes Jokic has displayed throughout the season so far. With his outstanding skills on the court and his ability to be a team player as well as a leader the odds are in Jokic favor to collect his third MVP award.