This year’s MVP race has been led by Joel Embiid for most of the season. What he has been able to do in Philadelphia (without Ben Simmons) has been nothing short of amazing.
But according to Isiah Thomas, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic deserves some consideration for the award as well, thanks to his “superior” fundamentals and basketball intellect.
“His fundamentals are flawless. Not only are his fundamentals flawless, his fundamentals with his intellect is flawless. We saw a play at the end of the game where he set the up screen on a high screen and roll and then he rolled behind the guard so he can catch it in the pocket and get a shot. Most big fellas, they set the screen and they roll to the basket. What he was able to do fundamentally is not only roll behind but then he rolled right into the perfect pocket spot. What this guy is doing fundamentally, you gotta watch and you gotta take notice of it.
He’s playing at a superior knowledge base right now than most players he’s playing against.”
Jokic doesn’t have the flashiest game, nor is he the best athlete. What makes him great is his mind, which always finds a way to best his opponents.
When he’s on the floor, the Nuggets are a significantly better team and that’s because he creates so many opportunities for his teammates.
“It’s beyond stupid that we frame this as a two-man MVP race,” said Zach Lowe. “Nikola Jokic is averaging 26.5 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 58% shooting 66% on twos. Pick whatever advanced stat you want, he leads the NBA in every single one. He’s on pace for the highest player efficiency rating ever. The Nuggets with Nikola Jokic on the floor: +14 per 100 possessions. With Nikol Jokic on the bench, -16. With Nikola Jokic on the floor, the Denver Nuggets are basically the best team ever, off the floor they’re the worst team ever and the only reason he’s not in the MVP conversation is because the Nuggets, without everybody, are just 14-13.”
This season, Jokic is averaging 25.8 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game on 57.1% shooting.
Without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets are 6th in the West with a 38-26 record.
At this point, it is undeniable that the Joker is in contention for his second-straight MVP trophy and it will be interesting to see if he’s able to get it by season’s end. Regardless, Jokic and his team have bigger ambitions.
