Is Nikola Jokic an MVP candidate?

While James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo are putting up monster numbers and sitting at #1 and #2 on the NBA mvp race, Nikola Jokic is averaging 20 points, 10.5 rebounds and nearly 8 assists and sitting 2nd in the West with a record of 38-18.

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Brooklyn Nets at the Pepsi Center on November 9, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

After signing Nikola Jokic to a five-year, $147 million contract, the Denver Nuggets have been at the top of the West throughout the whole season and don’t look to be slowing down. Despite having injuries with Paul Millsap, Jamal Murray, Isaiah Thomas, Will Barton, Michael Porter Jr. and rookie Jarred Vanderbilt, Jokic continues to get teammates involved and stay at the top of a competitive western conference.

Not only has Jokic brought success to the team he has made the Nuggets the hottest sports team in town despite never winning a championship. The Denver Nuggets have the best home record in the NBA (24-4). The Nuggets TV viewership has increased 93% which is the top growth for any NBA market.

Advertisements

Nikola Jokic is on pace to become the first 7-footer since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 to average seven assists per game. Not only is Jokic the 2nd triple-double leader this season with (11) the only other centers are Nikola Vucevic, Jusuf Nurkic, Marc Gasol and Joel Embiid with a combined 4 triple-doubles. The 6’10 Serbian Center also recorded the fastest triple-double in 14 minutes and 33 seconds. Jokic’s 27 career triple-doubles are second all-time for center trailing Wilt Chamberlain and he is only in his 4th year.

Coming into the 2018-2019 season no player in NBA history averaged at least 19 points, 10+ rebounds and seven assists, one steal and shooting better than 50%. Jokic currently is breaking that record! Some other crazy stats according too NBA.com, Jokic creates 17.3 points per game for his teammates that ranks ahead of LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

Too put Nikola Jokic’s stats in perspective he averages more points than Jimmy Butler and D’Angelo Russell. Jokic averages more rebounds than Jusuf Nurkic and Steven Adams. Nikola Jokic’s vision is amazing he averages more assists than names like Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

Nikola Jokic was named as an All star for the first time in his career for team Giannis. This is the first nuggets All star since 2011 which was Carmelo Anthony. Nuggets coach Mike Malone told reporters “Nikola being rewarded with an All star game selection will give him a lot of confidence moving forward and the chance to be around the best 24 players in the world”

With 26 games left in the season the Denver Nuggets look to stay hot and appear in their first playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season.