The weeks go by, and the Denver Nuggets continue to hold the best record in the Western Conference — and the second-best in the league.
Unsurprisingly, that all has to do with the fact that they have the two-time reigning MVP leading the way, and he’s making a more-than-strong case to take the award home for the third year in a row this season.
Nikola Jokic ranks among the league’s leaders in most advanced stats, some traditional stats, and even the eye test.
While some are still reluctant to give him his flowers, the truth is that it’s hard to argue that he’s the best player in the league right now, or at least top-3.
One of Jokic’s most impressive traits is his basketball IQ.
He knows how to make the most of every single possession, whether it’s taking matters into his own hands or finding an open teammate.
He’s been elite at maximizing his shots, as he currently ranks first in points per shot with a whopping 1.36.
Most Efficient Volume Shooters*
Points Per Shot, 2022-231. Nikola Jokic ………. 1.36!!
2. Steph Curry ………. 1.27
3. Kevin Durant ……… 1.27
4. Lauri Markkanen …. 1.27
5. Tyrese Haliburton … 1.19*Among top 50 highest FGA | NBA Avg. 1.11 pic.twitter.com/pawToxCfSy
— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) January 19, 2023
That’s more than the likes of Stephen Curry (1.27), Kevin Durant (1.27), Lauri Markkanen (1.27), and Tyrese Haliburton (1.19).
Needless to say, whenever you rank higher than two of the greatest pure scorers of all time, then you’re doing an excellent job.
Some fans and analysts have been reluctant to acknowledge that Jokic is deserving of a third-straight MVP, but we’re looking at this from the wrong angle.
Each season exists in a vacuum, and one year’s outcome shouldn’t affect the next.
So, the question isn’t “Should Jokic win three MVPs in a row?”
As much as it’s “Should Jokic win MVP this season?”
And the answer, my friends, is yes.
NEXT: Nikola Jokic Has Again Made Nuggets History