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Nikola Jokic’s Chances at Most Improved Player

By Mathew Huff

Mar 22, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) with the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 126-113. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) with the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 126-113. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 10, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) and center Nikola Jokic (15) react during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
March 10, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) and center Nikola Jokic (15) react during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Jokic deserves serious consideration for Most Improved Player of the Year.

Nikola Jokic is one of the candidates for the NBA Most Improved Player this year. Out of all the candidates, Jokic will be competing against the likes of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, D’Angelo Russell, Steven Adams, Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner, Clint Capela, Devin Booker, Harrison Barnes, Dennis Schroeder, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

That is quite the group of competition. However, Jokic does have a great case for himself for the award. Jokic has emerged as the clear best player and leader for the Nuggets this season and is dazzling the league with his crafty passing. The title of best passing big man no longer belongs to the any of the Gasol brothers it seems like, it seems to belong to the Serbian Sensation now.

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Denver Nuggets

According to Basketball-reference.com, Jokic has experienced major spikes in many of his statistical categories this season. He has increased his scoring average by six and a half points per game and is now averaging 4.9 assists per game compared to 2.4 assists per game last year.

If you still are not convinced, then take a look at his advanced analytics. His player efficiency rating has jumped from 21.5 to 26.2 and has also seen a major spike in his assist percentage. It was at 18.1% last year and this season it is at a whopping 28.8%! Talk about improvement. To go along with all of this, his offensive box plus/minus has gone from 2.6 to 6.2.Jokic has also increased his offensive win shares from 4.5 to 7.3. Seriously, the guy is an offensive force for Denver.

Despite his less than stellar defensive rating of 110, his offensive rating more than makes up for it at a high 126. Just how good is that you ask? Well, keep this in perspective. This season, LeBron James, the best player in the world, possesses an offensive rating of 119. This shows that Jokic is in elite company. Oh, and LeBron’s defensive rating while better, only sits two points below Jokic’s at 108.

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If these numbers do not make a legitimate case for the Joker, then the Most Improved Player will not come to Denver this season. Hopefully, Jokic’s inspired play will get him the votes he deserves.

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