Nikola Jokic is known as one of the top players in the NBA. He currently holds the title of NBA MVP and has won the award three times in the past four seasons. Despite a disappointing performance in the playoffs last year, Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are gearing up for the 2024-25 season with a hunger to reclaim their status as the best team in the West. Jokic’s chances of winning the MVP award again this season are promising, with odds placing him second behind LeBron James to potentially secure his fourth MVP title.
Jokic’s rise to greatness was unexpected, especially considering he was drafted 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Since then, he has made a name for himself by winning multiple MVP awards, being selected to the All-NBA team six times, and earning the reputation as one of the best passing big men in NBA history.
In the 2022-23 season, Jokic played a pivotal role in leading the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship. His outstanding performance in the NBA Finals earned him the Finals MVP title, as he showcased his versatility by averaging 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. Jokic’s exceptional postseason play continued into the following season, where he clinched his third MVP award in four years.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Jokic maintained his dominance on the court, achieving multiple triple-doubles and surpassing legendary players like Jason Kidd and LeBron James on the all-time triple-double list. His consistent scoring and rebounding abilities helped the Nuggets secure a top spot in the Western Conference. Jokic finished the season with impressive averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists per game, leading to his third MVP recognition.
As Jokic enters the 2024-25 season with high MVP odds, there are mixed opinions on his chances of securing a fourth MVP award. While he possesses the skills and talent to compete at the highest level, some believe that the narrative surrounding his MVP campaign may not work in his favor. Winning a fourth MVP would place Jokic in the company of basketball legends like LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain, but there are doubts about whether he will receive the necessary votes to clinch the award.
Additionally, Jokic’s recent participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he helped his home country Serbia secure a bronze medal, may impact his performance and overall fatigue heading into the NBA season. This additional workload could pose a challenge for Jokic as he aims to secure another MVP title. Considering these factors, some experts suggest that there may be better betting value in exploring other potential candidates for the 2024-25 NBA MVP award.
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