Nikola Jokic has won three out of the last four NBA MVP awards handed out, but through the first month of the 2024-25 season, it seems he’s headed toward a fourth award to tie with the likes of LeBron James. Even voter fatigue can’t stop the Denver Nuggets center given the ridiculous numbers he’s been putting up to open this season.
Through the first 11 games of the season, Jokic is averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists. His points average is higher than the best mark former unanimous MVP Shaquille O’Neal reached (29.67 PPG), his rebounds average is higher than Tim Duncan‘s best year (12.9 RPG), and his assists average is higher than Chris Paul‘s best season (11.7 APG).
Nikola Jokic's stats this season compared to career-highs from all-time greats 😳 pic.twitter.com/affj9yXKp2
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 14, 2024
Shaq posted 29.67 points per game during his unanimous MVP season in 1999-00. That year ended with Shaq leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Championship, their first triumph in what would become a three-peat with titles in 2001 and 2002 alongside Kobe Bryant. Shaq also won Finals MVP in all those seasons.
Tim Duncan grabbed 12.9 rebounds during the 2002-03 season, winning his second consecutive MVP award that season. Like Shaq with the Lakers, Duncan would also lead his San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Championship that season. This was Duncan’s second Championship and Finals MVP with the Spurs. He’d win three more titles over his career, adding another Finals MVP in 2005.
Chris Paul dished out 11.6 assists per game during the 2007-08 season for the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans). Paul finished second in MVP voting behind LeBron James that season, his best finish ever. Unlike Shaq and Duncan, Paul didn’t lift the Larry O’Brien at the end of the season, getting eliminated by Duncan’s Spurs in the second round of the Playoffs.
Jokic might just be one of the greatest offensive players in the history of the sport, with his impact on the game becoming unquestionable. He’s on pace to easily become the third player in history to average a triple-double for a season after Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. If the Nuggets are a top-three seed in the West, his case for another MVP is hard to dispute.
Shaq was considered unstoppable during his 1999-00 campaign, but Jokic is reaching similar levels of unstoppable by adding a new dimension to his game with his pinpoint playmaking. His defense won’t rival that of Duncan’s, but to outpace the best rebounding season of one of the greatest rebounders in the game’s history is ridiculous.
Chris Paul is affectionately called the ‘Point God’ for his ability to control the floor as a point guard, but Jokic is seemingly surpassing even what Paul did in the half-court with his additional ability as a seven-foot post playmaker.
Jokic is already a champion and creeping into top-10 all-time status, but he will need more championships under his belt to make his case for such high status. Duncan and Shaq have five and four championships apiece. Even though Jokic already has won more MVPs than both of them, he’s lacking in the Championships department.
At this pace, we may see Jokic have one of the greatest regular seasons ever, but it might not get the appreciation it deserves if there isn’t another parade in Denver at the end of the year.
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