Nikola Jokic’s MVP Push, As the 2023-24 NBA season enters its final stretch, Nikola Jokic has emerged as the clear frontrunner for his third MVP award in four years. The Denver Nuggets center is putting together one of the most statistically dominant seasons in NBA history while leading his team to the top of the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll examine:
✅ Jokic’s historic statistical production
✅ How he compares to other MVP candidates
✅ The advanced metrics that prove his dominance
✅ Why voters may favor him over younger stars
✅ What a third MVP would mean for his legacy
By the Numbers: Jokic’s Historic Season
Basic Stats That Tell the Story
| Stat Category | Jokic 2023-24 | NBA Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 26.1 | 12th |
| Rebounds Per Game | 12.3 | 3rd |
| Assists Per Game | 9.2 | 4th |
| Field Goal % | 58.3% | 8th |
| Player Efficiency Rating | 32.1 | 1st |
What makes these numbers remarkable is that no center in NBA history has ever averaged 25+ points, 12+ rebounds, and 9+ assists for an entire season. Jokic is doing this while maintaining elite efficiency from the field.
Advanced Metrics That Separate Him
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PER of 32.1 (Would rank top-15 all-time for a single season)
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12.3 Win Shares (Leads NBA by wide margin)
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+14.3 Net Rating when on court (Best among starters)
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40 triple-doubles since 2022 (Most in NBA)
As noted by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton: “Jokic’s advanced stats are reaching levels we haven’t seen since peak LeBron and Jordan.” (NBA NewsZ)
The MVP Competition: How Jokic Stacks Up
Primary Challengers
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
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Pros: Scoring champ candidate, elite defense
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Cons: Lower impact metrics, team success not as strong
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Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
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Pros: Historic offensive numbers
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Cons: Poor team defense, lower winning percentage
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
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Pros: Two-way dominance
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Cons: Team struggles post-coaching change
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Why Jokic Has the Edge
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Best player on best team (Nuggets 1st in West)
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Most complete statistical profile
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Proven playoff performer (Reigning Finals MVP)
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Narrative advantage (Could join elite 3x MVP club)
The Eye Test: Jokic’s Unparalleled Impact
Nikola Jokic’s MVP Push, What separates Jokic from other superstars is his complete lack of weaknesses:
Offensive Game
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Best passing big man ever
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Unstoppable post game
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Elite mid-range shooter
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Improved three-point shooting (37.5%)
Defensive Improvement
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+2.3 Defensive RAPTOR (Up from -0.7 last year)
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League-best defensive rebound percentage
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Elite positioning and basketball IQ
Clutch Performance
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**62.1% FG in last 5 minutes of close games
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+25.3 Net Rating in clutch situations
Historical Context: Where Jokic Ranks All-Time
If Jokic wins his third MVP, he would join:
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6)
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Michael Jordan (5)
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Bill Russell (5)
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LeBron James (4)
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Wilt Chamberlain (4)
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Magic Johnson (3)
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Larry Bird (3)
As NBA historian Bill Simmons noted: “A third MVP before age 30 would cement Jokic as a top-20 player ever with room to climb higher.” (NBA NewsZ)
Potential Roadblocks to MVP
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Voter Fatigue – Some voters reluctant to give same player multiple MVPs
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Nuggets’ Load Management – Missed 9 games (though fewer than other candidates)
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SGA/Giannis Narrative – Younger stars may appeal more to some voters
What a Third MVP Would Mean
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Validation as the best player of this era
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Strong case for best passing big man ever
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Puts him on track for eventual top-10 all-time status
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Solidifies Denver as a premier NBA franchise
Conclusion: The Joker’s Reign Continues
Nikola Jokic’s MVP Push, Nikola Jokic’s 2023-24 campaign represents the pinnacle of modern basketball excellence. His combination of statistical dominance, team success, and unparalleled skill set makes him the deserving MVP frontrunner. While younger stars like SGA and Doncic will have their say in future years, 2024 belongs to the Joker.
For more NBA analysis and award race coverage, visit NBA NewsZ.
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