NBA MVP conversations have typically been debates about how one player stacks up against another. However, recent seasons have made it seem as if the Michael Jordan Trophy is Nikola Jokic’s to lose.
Jokic has been named the league MVP in three of the last four seasons, with Jokic finishing second in 2022-2023 to Joel Embiid. His ability to influence multiple facets of the game made him unguardable and in turn, molded the Denver Nuggets into a difficult matchup especially in the postseason.
A great season seems to be a given now for him, but in 2024-2025, Jokic may very well raise those expectations once again.
Through 19 games, Jokic is averaging a triple-double thanks to career-highs in points (32.3), rebounds (13.6), and assists (10.2). However, his career-highs in 3-point shooting (50.6 percent on 2.2 made 3-pointers per game) and steals per game (1.8) are also indications of how he continues to push the envelope.
Jokic has had to do more as the Nuggets have been ravaged with injuries and recently, he has been on a tear. The Serbian went all out on offense as he poured a career-high 56 points against the Washington Wizards that unfortunately went for naught.
Against the Atlanta Hawks, though, Jokic would not be denied as he scored a bevy of points, dominated the boards, and found a way to get everyone involved with his passing. He went to work early and didn’t let the Hawks find their rhythm in time.
The numbers are definitely worth a story, but HOW Jokic gets those numbers is quite remarkable as well. Among all the traits he possesses, his best one may be his patience. The six-time NBA All-Star lets plays naturally develop, whether or not they end up as intended. On defense, he anticipates plays as they happen and when the timing is right, he can actively make a defensive stop and ignite a fastbreak play for Denver. Other players tend to bully their way around and force the issue and while Jokic is a bully in the paint, he’s more deliberate and efficient in his approach.
Jokic’s versatility has made it much easier to integrate new teammates especially with some of his old reliables currently on the sidelines. Russell Westbrook has certainly benefited from him as Jokic can allow Westbrook to roam around and catch defenders by surprise. Moreover, Westbrook has never played with a big man like Jokic, so while this is new territory, he has found a home.
Durability has been one of Jokic’s underrated traits, as he’s played no less than 69 games in his 10-year NBA career. If availability is the best ability, then Jokic is right there at the top.
It may be fair, though, to consider the mileage Nikola Jokic has put on and the weight he has to carry so the Denver Nuggets may consider managing his workload where possible. At 12-10, the Nuggets are looking to climb the standings and distance themselves from the pack so we may expect more big games from Nikola Jokic at the moment.
