Nikola Jokic is often hailed as the best basketball player in the world, a generational talent redefining the NBA with his versatility and dominance. The Denver Nuggets star showcased his brilliance throughout last season, leading his team to the Western Conference Semifinals before being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
At 30 years old, Nikola Jokic faces questions about whether his window for another NBA MVP award is closing. Yet many believe the Denver Nuggets’ Serbian superstar is still at the peak of his powers, remaining a dominant force in the league and a strong contender in the MVP conversation.
Nikola Jokic still has a strong chance to win another NBA MVP award
Last season was a tough one for Nikola Jokic, as the Denver Nuggets were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs. The series highlighted the rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who carried the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Conference Finals and ultimately led the franchise to its first-ever NBA championship.
Despite posting historic numbers last season, Gilgeous-Alexander claimed the NBA MVP award, leaving Nikola Jokic just short of the honor. For Jokic, it was a difficult pill to swallow, as he couldn’t fully showcase his dominance with the Nuggets to another championship like he did in 2023.
Nevertheless, ESPN analyst Tim Legler believes Nikola Jokic is far from done in the MVP race. Speaking on the Adam Mares All-NBA Podcast, Legler emphasized that the Denver Nuggets’ Serbian superstar will always be a true contender for the award, fully trusting in Jokic’s unique skills and ability to dominate the league once again.
“Last year, he had a historically great year, and he did not win the MVP. He had one of the greatest years statistically in the history of the league, and then lost to a well-deserving guy. But I don’t think Jokic’s window is closed for MVPs,” Legler highlighted of Nikola Jokic last season.
Without question, Nikola Jokic was one of the standout players of last season, finishing third in points per game, third in rebounds, and second in assists. Those numbers reflect the profile of a true NBA MVP. Now, the Denver Nuggets’ superstar aims to replicate that dominance and push his team all the way to the NBA Finals.
Nuggets emerge as real contenders to boost Jokic’s MVP chances
The ESPN insider also highlighted that the Denver Nuggets appear stronger heading into the new season. “We didn’t view Denver as a legitimate contender, and I think that has changed,” Legler explained. He added, “Their offseason moves have made a lot of people believe they might be, and when it’s all said and done, maybe they’re the second-best team in the West.”
“They took OKC to seven games, so maybe they’re a legitimate challenger to beat the defending champions this year. If that’s the case and he puts up the same numbers, he absolutely is still in the mix,” said ESPN’s Tim Legler, emphasizing his belief in Joki’s chances. He concluded, “I don’t think the window is closed.”
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