Nikola Jokic is the NBA MVP for the 2020/21 season, the league revealed last night. The Serbian won his first such award, breaking numerous records while entering all the sports history books.
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Adam Silver interrupted the Nuggets‘ team meeting to announce the news and be the first one who congratulated the Joker on his fantastic success.
The Serbian center averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 boards, and 8.3 assists per game, with 56% shooting from the field and 38.8% from three-point territory. His incredible vision on the court and fantastic attacking potential is what made him one of the most dominant stars in the league. Many experts agree on the fact that he revolutionized the center position, introducing the point center role in the game and changing the whole conception of basketball.
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Jokic’s win was pretty convincing, with Denver’s big man winning 91 first-place votes and 971 points in total. The 76ers’ center Joel Embiid ended second with 586 and Warriors’ Steph Curry third, 453.
With this victory, the Joker has made some new moments in the NBA. He became the first MVP in the Nuggets’ franchise history, the first Serbian to win the award, and also the lowest ever draft pick to do so. Just to remind you, Jokic was the 41st overall selection seven years ago. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steve Nash were 15th picks, and these two held this record previously.
Jokic led his Nuggets to a 47-25 record and the third seed in the West. Additionally, the franchise from Colorado had many problems with injuries this season. They lost Jamal Murray in the crucial moment after the All-Star, which is a massive blow. However, the Joker guided Denver on his own very well, covering up for all the absent players and pushing the team through the first round.
However, despite winning the award and constantly playing a the highest possible level, Jokic is still facing doubts and cold reception by the media. His skills and performances are being questioned, and he often isn’t favored as other superstars.
The lack of media hype and the focus on other athletes who have a better marketing background is, in fact, the only thing that separates Jokic from other NBA superstars.
After winning the MVP award, that is no doubt going to change.
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-->ProSports.net congratulates Nikola Jokic on his well-deserved achievement.
