Denver Nuggets: 4 reasons Nikola Jokic is the MVP
By Sean Carroll
![DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets gestures to fans after the game against the Toronto Raptors at Ball Arena on April 29, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets gestures to fans after the game against the Toronto Raptors at Ball Arena on April 29, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5353b25d77795bd86a84bbfb6fa7a8513c663a6d44d7a3af8fd43ca895f0be09.jpg)
Why Denver Nuggets C Nikola Jokic deserves MVP: Availability
The Denver Nuggets are currently the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 44 and 24 record in this COVID-shortened season. Jokić has played in every single one of those games and plays rain, hail, or shine.
It might be unfair to critique players for missing time due to injury (the push back on Embiid and Harden) but in a league where all you can do is play who’s in front of you, Jokić has played everyone in front of him and has been the best player on the court for nearly the entire time.
That’s impressive and a credit to his durability.
And as they say, the best ability is availability.
Also, fun fact, the last MVP to play in every single game was Kobe Bryant in 2007-08, playing the full 82. While a shortened season, Jokić can still have appeared in every game.