Nikola Jokic is hoping to take home his 3rd consecutive MVP trophy after leading the Denver Nuggets to the first seed in the West this season. The narratives are impacting his MVP candidacy, especially the lack of postseason success.
Former teammate DeMarcus Cousins was critical of Jokic’s case for a third MVP due to the all-time status it gives the Serbian center.
“I am not okay with it being 3 MVPs in a row because then it becomes a conversation, ‘Is this the best basketball player to ever touch a basketball?’ I think we can all agree that he’s not. Not saying he can’t be, not saying he doesn’t deserve more down the road, but at this stage in his career, I am not okay with saying that. He has not won anything, he hasn’t been to the Finals. There are a lot of things still in play for him. That’s my only concern. At this point, he’s the best center of all time. Three in a row? We’re putting him over the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, and Wilt Chamberlain, that’s a tough conversation to have because we have seen what these guys have done. Can we sit right here and say Jokic not only is the best big ever, but the best basketball player ever with 3 MVPs in a row? I am not comfortable saying that.”
Demarcus Cousins says he’s not comfortable with Nikola Jokic winning three MVPs in a row because that would put him in the G.O.A.T conversation
“He hasn’t won anything.”
(Via @shobasketball )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 10, 2023
It is hard to see a player win 3 consecutive MVPs but never makes it to the NBA Finals. Anyway, it looks like Joel Embiid has leaped Jokic in this year’s MVP race, but we’ve gotten to the point where Jokic’s career success will now only be measured in the playoffs.
Can The Nuggets Make A Title Push?
The Nuggets have the weapons they need to make a run. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are both back on the team and are currently healthy, which is something Jokic hasn’t had the last 2 seasons. They should be the favorites in the West and are awaiting their playoff opponent, who will come out of the play-in tournament.
If Jokic wins a Finals MVP, he will genuinely be considered an all-time great and probably the best center since Shaquille O’Neal. Embiid wants that recognition as well, so all legacy battles can only be settled in the playoffs with championship success.
Jokic averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists in the 2022-23 regular season.
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