Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets could quite possibly win his third consecutive MVP trophy this year, matching rare NBA history.
With his 24.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 10 assists, Jokic is having one of the best seasons of his career and is a legitimate superstar.
But he’s not immune from criticism.
Recently, there have been claims from analysts about Jokic “stat-padding” and this has led to some debate about the Serbian star.
Nuggets HC Mike Malone on why Nikola Jokić receives so much criticism:
“Maybe they're just tired of this player, this non-athletic player from Sombor, Serbia who continues to kick everybody's a**. Maybe people have a hard time with that. I don't know.”
(via @HarrisonWind) pic.twitter.com/aM8FbQOnKE
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 3, 2023
Nuggets head coach Mike Malone isn’t happy with these claims and criticism.
“Maybe they’re just tired of this player, this non-athletic player from Sombor, Serbia who continues to kick everybody’s a–. Maybe people have a hard time with that. I don’t know,” Malone said recently, according to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports.
Other players in the league are certainly tired of losing to Jokic.
For the last few years, he’s been one of the most dominant players in the NBA.
Not only can Jokic score a wide variety of buckets from all over the court, but he is also one of the best passers of all time and can dictate play, read the court expertly, and connect with his teammates again and again.
It must be frustrating for other teams to try and fail to contain Jokic’s power.
He doesn’t look like a typical MVP with his thick build and slower speed but there is no denying how great Jokic is.
That doesn’t mean that other athletes aren’t in the running for MVP.
Players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Jayson Tatum are all fighting hard to win the honor.
Yet, it’s Jokic who currently has the best chance, the most attention, and a fair share of criticism too.
NEXT: The Nuggets Are On A Historic Run With Nikola Jokic
