Following a disappointing elimination in the 2022 EuroBasket, Nikola Jokic is now focused on getting his rest and preparing for the 2022-23 NBA season that will bring many challenges to the Denver Nuggets and their superstar. After yet another sensational season, Jokic is ready to pick things right where he left them.
The Serbian center has fallen short in the last two seasons, unable to have another playoff run like the one he had in 2020 when he led the Denver Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals despite being down 3-1 in their prior two series. After dealing with big injuries from Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., they are ready to bounce back and compete to get to the Finals.
With Murray and Porter returning to action, Jokic will have much-needed help after being swept by the eventual champions Golden State Warriors last season. These two players will be very helpful for Jokic, but some people still think he could have a better season even with Murray and Porter on the court.
Analyst Claims Nikola Jokic’s Numbers Could Be Better This Season
During a recent episode of The Hoop Collective, analyst Ohm Youngmisuk talked about the expectations for many teams around the league. When it was the turn of the Nuggets, Ohm talked about Jokic and what we can expect from him this upcoming campaign. Despite the return of Murray and Porter, Youngmisuk believes that Jokic will have another great season for the Nuggets (48:59).
“You can make the argument, … even though Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are coming back. And are going to score a little bit more, I think Jokic’s numbers could actually get better.
“Like, there’s only been I think three guys that have won three MVPs in a row.”
The only three players who have won three straight are Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird. Giannis Antetokounmpo could have joined that list in 2021, but Jokic had different plans. Before him, Stephen Curry won two straight MVP awards in 2015 and 2016, but he was also unable to achieve this feat.
Now, Jokic could be the fourth player to win three straight MVP awards, but the competition will be hard, with stars like the aforementioned Antetokounmpo and Curry aiming to have an impressive season, while others like Joel Embiid and Luka Doncic will try to win their first MVP award.
The Nuggets are one of the teams expected to put up a big fight against the Golden State Warriors this campaign. The returns of Murray and Porter will be crucial for the team’s aspirations, and if Jokic can elevate his game even more, this team will be a menace to the rest of the West.
