In a league as big as the NBA, many players will stand out as transcendent talents who redefine the game.
Among those we can name players like Lebron James, for a lot of fans considered to be the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) alongside another fan favorite to be considered the GOAT in Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry who really introduced NBA into the 3P game, and then he can name Denver Nuggets Center, Nikola Jokic, who became a truly exceptional player, showcasing a unique blend of skill, vision, and basketball IQ.
Nikola Jokic MVP Odds For 2023-24 Season
Answering the main question, and as the current NBA season unfolds, it is becoming increasingly evident that Nikola Jokic is once again a strong favorite to win once again the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award, after winning it during in the 2020-21 season and once again the next season in the 2021-22 season, after finally losing it to Philadelphia 76 center, Joel Embiid who is the current NBA MVP.
To solidify to why we think Nikola Jokic is once again a strong favorite to win the MVP award this season, let’s talk about his current season.
It is a tight battle between three non-American players: Jokic, Doncic from Dallas and Embiid from Philly.
Nikola Jokic (+215) is the current favorite to win the 2023/24 NBA MVP 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6ne7NVXQhq
— ClutchBet (@ClutchBetSB) December 19, 2023
Performances
Nikola Jokic’s journey to an MVP candidate is punctuated mainly by his consistently stellar performances.
Known for his exceptional passing ability as a center, Jokic alongside as Joel Embiid, have both redefined the role of a big men in the modern NBA.
Jokic triple-double prowess and versatility on the court set him apart, reminiscent of legendary players like Magic Johnson. His ability to impact the game in multiple facets has not only made him invaluable to the current NBA Champions, Denver Nuggets, but has obviously thrust him into the MVP conversation.
By the time we are writing this article, Jokic currently has recorded 10 triple-doubles in 27 games played this season which once again, showcases his ability to contribute across scoring, rebounding and playmaking.
Stats
A glance at Jokic’s statistics reveals a player operating at the top of his abilities.
His scoring, rebounding, and playmaking numbers consistently rank among the league leaders.
Jokic is currently averaging 26.3 points per game, putting him as the 11 in the PPG leaders this season behind names like Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo who are the top three currently.
Jokic is currently averaging 9.4 assists per game, being the third player averaging the most assists in NBA this season behind Indiana Pacers guard, Tyrese Haliburton averaging 11.9 APG, and Atlanta Hawks guard, Trae Young who is averaging 11.0 APG.
Jokic is currently averaging 12.3 rebounds per game, who puts him in second place tied with Domantas Sabonis, as the Sacramento Kings center is also averaging 12.3 rebounds per game. Los Angeles Lakers Power Forward/Center, Anthony Davis is the leader, averaging 12.8 rebounds per game.
Let’s also mention that Jokic is currently shooting 53.8% from the field, 30.6% from the 3P line and 78.9% from the free throw line.
Although Jokic isn’t the best defender center in the league, he also has some good numbers.
Jokic is also in the top 15 in players with the most steals this season with 33 steals in a category which is led by the Oklahoma City Thunders guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 66 steals.
Jokic also has 20 blocks this season. The player with the most blocks so far is Milwaukee Bucks center, Brook Lopez with 77 blocks.
🏀 #NBA ODDS BOOST 🏀
Bet Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double, boosted to +100 in the ClutchBet app! 🔥
Was: -110
Now: +100 🔺 pic.twitter.com/SneLHCpdYD— ClutchBet (@ClutchBetSB) December 18, 2023
Denver Nuggets Success
We can’t deny the one of the critical factors influencing MVP voting is a player’s impact on a team success.
In Jokic case, his leadership has propelled the Denver Nuggets as far as to NBA Champions contention, like the last season where the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA title after taking down the Miami Heats in the final in 5 games.
Despite the Nuggets injuries, Jokic has shown the ability to lead his team to victory.
The Nuggets win-loss record in games where Jokic is recording a triple-double or nears one is indicative of his influence on team success.
The Nuggets currently have an 18-10 record, and Jokic averaged a triple double in 5 of those losses.
Jokic Consistency and Durability
The rigors of an NBA season demand durability and consistent excellence. Jokic has proven himself on both fronts. His availability for the Denver Nuggets, coupled with sustained high-level performances, distinguishes him in a field where injuries and load management often affect players MVP prospects.
Jokic so far has only missed one game this season for the Denver Nuggets. His durability enhances his value to the team and strengthens his candidacy for the league’s most prestigious individual award.
Who would have thought Nikola would achieve this success? Let’s remember everyone that Nikola Jokic was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft, in a very funny way, as his pick came in during a Taco Bell commercial.
A reminder that Nikola Jokic's selection in the draft was announced over a Taco Bell Quesarito commercial pic.twitter.com/gnlMldTrov
— Brody Logan (@BrodyLogan) May 12, 2019
Conclusion
As the NBA season unfolds, Jokic exceptional performances, statistical brilliance, and most importantly, impact on the Nuggets success, position him currently as the favorite to win his third MVP award, in front of Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic and current NBA MVP Sixers, Joel Embiid according to betting odds.
As the NBA season is getting close to reach is midpoint, Jokic remarkable season towards his third MVP trophy, is still far from over.
Embiid and Doncic are also having extraordinary seasons, leading their teams to success.
The NBA season is a marathon, not a spring, and the narratives of MVP candidates often evolve with the changing dynamics of the league.
The second part of the season does promise to be a crucial chapter in determining whether Nikola Jokic gets a third NBA MVP award or not.
