Denver Nuggets: 3 threats to Nikola Jokic’s MVP title

In the midst of the NBA‘s weirdest season, the Denver Nuggets’ own Nikola Jokic provided a moment of clarity. After averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 boards, and 8.3 assists, the big-man ended the year as the league’s MVP or most valuable player.

Let’s be honest here, Jokic is a unicorn. No other big-man in the league can quarterback an offense the way he can, and seldom few can dominate games from the inside out like Jokic does either. Jokic embodies the Denver Nuggets spirit.

As a former 2nd round draft pick, the Sombor native has proven that skill can trump athleticism in this league. I mean, it’s A LOT of skill, but Jokic doesn’t exactly jump out of the gym, so it’s a fair trade. Yet, despite Jokic’s unique playstyle, and his position as a focal point within a contending team’s offense, repeating the feat of winning the MVP trophy isn’t going to be a cakewalk for the sixth-year big man.

While head coach Michael Malone and the rest of the Denver Nuggets will be relying on Jokic to replicate his near triple-double output again this season. The absence of Jamal Murray (for now at least) and the limited upgrades to the roster, may mean Jokic is overstretched to start the year.

And that’s news to a handful of stars around the league, who have been licking their wounds following MVP snubs and/or early exits from the 2020-21 playoffs.

Here are three players waiting to put everybody on notice once the season restarts.