Why Nikola Jokic Isn’t the Leading MVP Candidate
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is the reigning back-to-back Most Valuable Player (MVP) winner. He’s averaging almost a triple-double in the ongoing 2022-2023 season- averaging 24.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 9.3 assists (third-best in the NBA) while playing 33.1 minutes per game.
Jokic’s MVP-worthy numbers have helped the Nuggets rise to the top of the Western Conference standings with a 20-11 record heading into Christmas.
And yet, Nikola Jokic isn’t the leading candidate to nab his third straight MVP award according to the latest MVP ladder.
Jokic: The Obvious Frontrunner
In the latest ranking in the MVP race, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is leading the race for the Michael Jordan Trophy. And for a good reason.
The Celtics own the best record in the NBA right now (23-10) and are playing an inspired brand of hoops. Tatum is averaging 30.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season. The 24 year old had 44 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in the Celtics’ overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in front of a national audience as well. For the season, Boston is 4-0 when Tatum scores 40 points or more.
Currently second in the MVP race is Giannis Antetokounmpo of the powerhouse Milwaukee Bucks. And the Greek Freak’s numbers aren’t anything to sneeze at either. He’s putting up 31.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists so far.
Third in the race is the aforementioned Nikola Jokic.
But for some, Nikola Jokic should be the obvious frontrunner in the MVP race this season. Not to say that those above him don’t deserve to be in the conversation. All three of them are worthy of their spots. It’s just for some, Jokic deserves the top spot more than anyone else. Why?
Not only is Nikola Jokic helping guide the Nuggets to another top-four finish in the west, but the man they call The Joker is having another phenomenal individual season as well.
Against the Charlotte Hornets last Monday, Jokic had one of those Wilt-esque triple-doubles after finishing with 40 points, 27 rebounds, and ten assists in 40 minutes. And even with his production slightly dropping due to the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. from injuries, Jokic still manages to put up MVP-like numbers.
For December 2022 so far, Jokic’s averages stand at 30.9 points, 13.5 rebounds, 9.3 assists, two steals, and 60.8% field goal shooting. His scoring went up from 21 points in October and 23.7 points in November.
While Tatum and Antetokounmpo are leading the MVP race, it’s not impossible to see The Joker overtaking the top spot soon. After all, it’s not every season we get to see a big man averaging almost a triple-double while also playing as the center-point guard and tossing court long passes as if he’s a quarterback.
Depending on your definition of “most valuable” (which is a conversation in and of itself), Jokic unquestionably makes his teammates better players with his presence on the court. His court vision, slick no-look passes, and ability to command double, or even triple, teams allows his fellow Nuggets to get wide open looks night in, night out.
The biggest thing working against Jokic at this point would be voter fatigue, as there’s nothing the national media loves more than a juicy narrative. Only Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain have ever won 3 straight MVP awards. And at this point, it almost feels as though Jokic will need to put together an otherworldly 2nd half of the season to become the 4th.
-Iggy Gonzales
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.