How does Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic rank among NBA insiders?

With Nikola Jokic accumulating two MVP awards as well as the very first NBA title for the Denver Nuggets, the argument for him not being the best player or even top three in the NBA is a bit foolish. His playmaking at the center position has never been seen before in basketball history. Before Jokic, there were no centers who brought the ball up the court or was the primary facilitator.

When it comes to the best players in the NBA, there is no one quite like Jokic. ESPN released an article in which they asked NBA insiders their opinion on who is the best player in the league, as well as other questions.

Nikola Jokic was very prominent on this list, as 13 out of the 15 people asked said that he was the best player in the NBA. As for the other two, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was said to be the best player in the league.

Having Jokic as the best player in the league makes sense. He upped his game in the playoffs and proved that he was the clear-cut best center in the league. There was a bit of an argument with Jokic or Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid on who was the better big man, but considering Jokić is a champion, the argument is no longer there.

Jokic was also tied for third when it comes to who the best player would be in the NBA in five years. Dallas’ Luka Doncic was ranked first with six votes, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was ranked second with three votes, while Jokić had two votes, which was tied with San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama.

When it comes to who will win the 2023-24 MVP award, a lot of people voted Nikola Jokic. Nine people had Jokic as the favorite to win MVP, and that makes sense. Jokic could have definitely won the 2023 MVP, but Joel Embiid was given that award.

One of the main reasons Jokic was not given the MVP was because of voter fatigue. A lot of people were hesitant to give him the MVP because it would have been his third MVP in a row, which would put him elite company. Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird were the only players ever to three-peat with MVP awards, which Bird did most recently from 1983-86.

The other players listed on the MVP list are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Boston’s Jayson Tatum with two votes, while Phoenix’s Devin Booker and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell both have one vote each. Even though Booker and Mitchell are tremendous players, it’s hard to say they have a good chance to win the MVP award, considering Booker has never finished top three in the award, and Mitchell has never even made All-NBA 1st Team.

Jokic should get a lot of love for the MVP award for this season, and for multiple seasons onward, as well. His style of play should not have him regress quickly, as he does not rely on athleticism to be an effective basketball player. His footwork, playmaking, and overall efficiency should keep him in the NBA until his late 30s if he really wants to.

Nikola Jokic already has one of the greatest resumes in NBA history, and he’s still got a lot more years left. Given his recent NBA championship, he should get more respect and recognition for his skills, as well as the Denver Nuggets as a whole.

The Denver Nuggets could be repeating champions, if everything goes well. With Jokic manning the middle and leading the team, there’s no reason that they can’t be title favorites for multiple years.