1.18.;.22

Jaden Rivers  

THe fact of the matter is the west is weakened from what it once was. Outside of the powerhouses in Phoenix, Utah, and Golden State there is a clear dropoff from quality teams in the western conference.

Last year’s MVP, Nikola Jokic had posted a fantastic season cementing himself as the best center in the NBA. The Serbian five had a statline of 26 pts, 11 reb, and 8 assists. In contrast to other dominant players of the game, Jokic affects his team in a different manner. Most glaringly his high level playmaking at his size allows him to be almost unstoppable in a double team on a loaded roster. But I believe some of his appeal to watchers of the NBA falls flat there as well. 

Jokic isn’t going to have flashy numbers and video-game like scoring of other superstars.  He isn’t the fastest, nor the strongest player, his game doesn’t drag in new viewers and casual fans. Not to say Curry, Giannis, and Durant aren’t having fantastic seasons as well, but to say  Jokic can’t play on that level is an incredible oversight. He’s keeping a depleted roster above .500 as well as leading in an abundance of efficiency and value metrics. As well as leading the team in five different categories - six if you include minutes. 

All and all Jokic has been fantastic and not enough has been said about his resilience as a player. The Nuggets are soon to get Murray back, and only the basketball gods know the future for Michael Porter Jr. and what his timeline looks like.

But despite the hardships seen and found in Denver, don’t forget to enjoy Jokic’s talents in  the nba.