Making the case for Jokic for MVP

There has been a lot of MVP talk in the NBA of late, and several players have strong arguments to make a case – none more so that Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokic.

First and foremost, “The Joker” has been filling up the stats sheet like nobody’s business, averaging a double-double (26.2ppg and 10.2rpg), and is flirting with a triple-double, with 8.7apg.

If that weren’t enough to make a solid MVP case for Jokic, his team is also near the top of the Western Conference standings – a factor voters always take into consideration when casting their ballots for MVP.

Jokic is also durable, having played 61 of 61 games so far this season – that’s 100% for those keeping track. This may not seem like it should factor in, but it certainly does, particularly in a year that has seen several MVP candidates go down to injury (Lebron James, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard…the list goes on).

Sure, one could argue Steph Curry is the 2021 MVP, who is averaging 31.3ppg. But his team sits at the 10th seed in the Western Conference compared to the Nuggets in 4th.

Then there’s Luka Doncic, who is one of the most exciting and talented players to watch and has a valid argument for MVP with 28.4ppg, 8rpg, 8.7apg and is cold-blooded when the game is on the line.

No MVP candidate, however, can boast individual stats, durability, team success, and overcoming team adversity with high profile injuries like Jokic and the Nuggets can.

The Joker for MVP!

Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports