Nikola Jokic is not only one of the best centers but one of the best players overall in the league. The Serbian big man has improved his level season after season and right now he’s considered a top 10 player in the league by a lot of people.
Given his performances this campaign, he’s considered one of the candidates to win the MVP award alongside LeBron and Joel Embiid. Contrary to his two rivals, Jokic and his Denver Nuggets have struggled to get the results this season, which would play against him in the MVP ballot. He has done nothing but play great basketball but things haven’t been that good for them as they’re being for the Lakers and Sixers.
That’s why several people think Jokic has the least chances to win the award this season, including Bill Simmons, who compared his campaign to the one Russell Westbrook had during his MVP run in 2017. The then Oklahoma City Thunder star averaged a triple-double for the season and even though his team ranked 6th in the West, he was awarded the MVP. During a recent edition of The Bill Simmons Podcast, the controversial analyst made the case against Jokic, explaining why it would be hard for him to get the prize home.
“Jokic’s MVP chance is very slim if at all. Denver is on pace for about 47 wins if this is an 82-game season. Last time someone won an MVP with that few wins was Westbrook … The darkest moment in MVP history.”
The Nuggets seem to be turning things around and this is the right moment for The Joker to take his team to the next level. Last season they reached the Western Conference Finals and Jokic will try to lead their good run alongside Jamal Murray. If he manages to make this team at least top 4 in the West, perhaps the narrative around him will change but only time will tell.
