The NBA is at an all-time high in talent right now. There is finally parity in the NBA and for the first time in many years, one can say they are not sure who will win the NBA title. The same can also be said of the NBA MVP award. There are many players that are sure to be in the conversation for the award. One of those players, Nikola Jokic, had a great run last season making his first all-star game and being named to the first team all NBA. He had a good run in the playoffs, but will he be an MVP candidate this year?
The Break Out Year
Nikola Jokic has been a good player for many years now. At age 24 he has had a couple of really good seasons and last year a break out year. He averaged 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and made his first All-Star team and first-team all NBA. That is a great year for any player. Jokic took that a step further in his first playoff appearance. He led the Nuggets to a first-round win over the San Antonio Spurs. He took Portland to game seven before the run came to an end.
The numbers are one thing, they are a measure of what a player does in a game that is compared to others. One thing that is not measured in his ability to handle the team and make it his, to be a leader. That is where he broke out the most from prior years. Last season he spoke up and helped his teammates gain accountability. But the most important thing he did was step up when needed a shot.
There were times where they needed someone to take that last shot and win the game. Jamal Murray also tried to do the same but it was Jokic that did the job. The game against the Mavericks, when that ball came into him nothing was stopping him, it was will power.
The same in Miami on Jan 8th, he took that ball went to the hole and floated one in for a win. It is this leadership that teams look for in a champion, the guy that won’t let you lose. It was on full display through in an epic 140-137 quadruple overtime loss in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs. He was not about to give up or let that game go. He fought hard playing 65 minutes and getting a triple-double with 33 points, 18 rebounds, and 14 assists. But more than that he cemented the fact he is the man.
MVP Candidate
There will be an array of players in the conversation for MVP this year, and most of those will be deserving. You will have your LeBron James, James Harden, Steph Curry’s and of course, there will be some that may not have been in the conversation at the beginning of the season. Seemingly not only does Jokic deserve to be in the conversation but his play this year is sure to make him the topic all year long.
The nuggets as a team are going to be vying for a title this year. They have the talent and the cohesion to do just that. But no matter how good they are it is Jokic that will pave the way. How he goes so does the team. All indications are Jokic is going to be a force and some suggest he could average a triple-double. The people of Denver know the kind of player they have and now the rest of the NBA will know, Jokic should be a candidate for MVP. Will Nikola Jokic be a 2019-20 MVP candidate?
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