Could Nikola Jokic be this year’s MVP?
The Denver Nuggets superstar is playing at a level that makes it almost impossible to ignore his case for a fourth Michael Jordan Trophy.
As the MVP race gets tighter, Jokić simply keeps winning, dissecting defenses with surgical precision, and making the extraordinary look routine.
The Serbian center is averaging triple-double numbers once again, orchestrating Denver’s offense with a calm dominance that few in NBA history have ever matched.
Jokic’s Effortless Domination
The Nuggets center is averaging 29.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, marking his third consecutive season with a triple-double average. His statistical dominance extends beyond traditional metrics: he leads the league in Player Efficiency Rating (PER), ranks second in assists, and anchors a Nuggets offense that operates with remarkable cohesion when he is on the court.
His ability to read defensive schemes and exploit mismatches enables Denver to maintain offensive fluidity, even against elite opponents. Advanced metrics underscore his value: the Nuggets’ net rating improves by 12.3 points per 100 possessions when he plays, reflecting his dual role as primary scorer and offensive facilitator.
Unlike contemporaries reliant on physical explosiveness, Jokić leverages anticipatory decision-making and precise passing to dismantle opposing defenses. This approach has resulted in 30 triple-doubles this season, the highest total in the NBA, while his 57.4% field goal efficiency underscores his shot selection discipline.
The MVP Field Can’t Keep Up
The 2024-25 MVP race features exceptional candidates, including Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.9 PPG, 6.4 APG). However, Jokić distinguishes himself through systemic impact. Denver’s 47-30 record and fourth-place standing in the Western Conference are directly tied to his ability to elevate role players and stabilize the team during critical moments.
Having secured MVP honors in 2021, 2022, and 2024, Jokić faces voter scrutiny regarding historical precedence. No player has won four MVP awards since LeBron James, and only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six) and Michael Jordan (five) have more.
Nevertheless, Jokić’s combination of individual production and team success—Denver ranks fourth in offensive rating—strengthens his case.
