2 Nuggets who are underperforming, 4 exceeding expectations at midway point of season

Exceeding expectations: Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is back in the thick of the MVP race for the fourth straight year. He has won the award twice and is the best player in the world right now. The Joker is averaging 25.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 33.3 minutes per contest. He has missed just one game and ranks inside the top 15 in points, assists, and rebounds.

Jokic leads the league in VORP and ranks second in win shares per 48 minutes on the morning of Jan. 16. He has topped both categories for three straight years and looks to continue his dominance.

Some may argue there is no exceeding expectations when one is the best player in the world, but he has been otherworldly again this season. Fans are witnessing greatness on a nightly basis, and it is a pure joy to watch. The Nuggets are back in the title hunt because of the Joker, which earns him a nod on this list.

The Denver Nuggets are looking to take over the number one seed in the second half of the season. They have a massive homecourt advantage and the Western Conference is loaded. Expect their play to improve as they look to repeat as NBA champions, and stay tuned because the best is yet to come.