The Denver Nuggets have found their star of the future in Nikola Jokic. If the last month of last season is any indication, big things are in store.
The Denver Nuggets were only one game away from making the post season. While they did lose the do or die game against the division rival, Minnesota Timberwolves, one bright spot was Nikola Jokic.
Jokic posted insane numbers despite going up against Karl Anthony Towns and was the clear cut leader on the floor for the Denver Nuggets. The man averaged over 20 points a game in the last month of the year along with some great passing numbers.
If he can post these numbers for the entirety of the season, then do not be surprised if he is in the running for the Most Valuable Player award next season. Obviously guys like LeBron James and Kevin Durant will always be in the running. However, every season, there seems to be a surprise player who jumps into the MVP conversation.
Nikola Jokic will be that very player next year. I am not saying he is going to win it. But, he very well could be the third place vote getter or even the runner up to the winner.
Jokic is still extremely young and is only going to get better as he progresses. With another year of experience under his belt, Jokic should show some improvements in the defensive department as well which will help his case as a MVP candidate.
We already know about his flashy passing. What tends to get overlooked is his ability to score, especially from three point territory. Per basketball reference, Jokic shot 39.6% from deep last season and has a career three point shooting percentage of 36.6%.
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Combine all of these factors and you get a legitimate MVP candidate next season.