History has repeated itself.
Last season was a no doubter that Nuggets center Nikola Jokic deserved to win the league MVP, and it’s a no doubter again this season.
Jokic took home the honor last season after helping the Nuggets earn the third seed in the Western Conference, but would eventually get swept by the Phoenix Suns in the conference semi-finals. Part of the reason why Denver got swept was because they lost shooting guard and sharp shooter Jamal Murray to a torn ACL.
Given the nickname “The Joker,” Jokic dominated the NBA last season averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. That was good enough to edge out 76ers center Joel Embiid.
This season, Jokic had an even better year. The Serbian averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. Statistically speaking, the reigning MVP is having the greatest season in NBA history.
Jokic’s player efficiency rating was the highest in NBA history with a 32.94. That’s ahead of Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s best seasons ever.
Last season Jokic ranked 12th all-time in PER and still won the MVP while being part of the Nuggets’ “big three.” This season Jokic is the Nuggets’ “big one.”
Denver has been without Jamal Murray all season due to a torn ACL that he suffered last season in April and Michael Porter Jr. has appeared in just nine games this season.
Even with Murray and Porter Jr. missing nearly the entire season, Denver won more games than last season’s win total of 47 wins. With that being said, Jokic has his Nuggets currently as the sixth seed in the west as they get ready to take on the Golden St. Warriors.
Jokic became the sixth player in NBA history to lead his entire team in every major statistical category (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals). The Joker has become the definition of carrying a team for an entire season.
Some in the national media will want to vote for Embiid because he averaged 30 points per game, but the Philadelphia center also averaged five more free throws per game this season compared to Jokic only shooting 6.3 free throws per game.
Embiid has also had more help from his teammates as well. Philly had four players not named Embiid average at least 15 points per game. Denver had just one not named Jokic (Aaron Gordon).
The national media has tried to convince themselves that Jokic shouldn’t win the MVP because he doesn’t play in one of the top markets for TV and doesn’t move the needle for their ratings. The truth is, Jokic is the best player in the league right now and is having the best season in NBA history.
Don’t forget Jokic is the first NBA player ever to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in the same season. That stat alone should prove that there’s no doubt the Denver star should win his second straight NBA MVP award.
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