Nikola Jokic was the 2021 MVP, and many view him as the best center in the league. He is a top-tier playmaker, rebounder and scorer, and while his game isn’t particularly flashy, he is a player that is simply able to get it done offensively. Currently, Nikola Jokic is averaging 27.1 PPG, 13.8 RPG, and 7.9 APG. The Denver Nuggets have relied on him to shoulder an immense offensive load without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., and he has delivered.
This year’s MVP race has been very heated, and due to his production, Nikola Jokic’s name has often been mentioned in those discussions. Recently, Jazz star Rudy Gobert has backed Nikola Jokic as the MVP, and claimed that Jokic was the most impactful player for his team.
You look at the impact. The name of the award is “The Most Valuable Player”. Who has been the most valuable for the team?
I think “valuable”, I would vote for Jokic. He was the most impactful for his team. Those guys all had amazing years. Giannis, Joel, a lot of other guys.
Rudy Gobert isn’t the only prominent voice that has backed Nikola Jokic for MVP. Earlier in the season, Warriors coach Steve Kerr picked Nikola Jokic to win the MVP and claimed that the big man “makes all of his teammates better”.
Makes all of his teammates better, he makes defense so difficult and he’s playing the game at such an easy pace.”
As Rudy Gobert mentions, there are definitely other deserving candidates in the league for MVP, such as Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. It remains to be seen who ends up winning the award, and there are only a few games left for players to solidify their cases.
Nikola Jokic will need to keep up his production in the playoffs if the Denver Nuggets are to get past the first round this season. Hopefully, he can lead his team on a deep playoff run.
