2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Wow and Wow! Nikola Jokic has played out of his mind since he entered Denver’s starting lineup. It’s amazing to think that this guy didn’t even start for the first quarter of the season.
Since becoming a starter, he has become Denver’s best player and one of the best centers in the league. In the month of January alone he averaged 23.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists. These are all-pro numbers. Jokic has a complete game, and has become the focal point of the Nuggets offense. His PER is 26.37, which is 10th in the league.
This is remarkable for a person who came off the bench the first 20 games of the year. Jokic has a nice low post game, and out of the high post he can pick teams apart with his pin point passing. He also shoots a respectable 34 percent from three! This man can do it all, I have even see him lead a few fast breaks.
The Nuggets would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, and that’s mainly because of Jokic. This team doesn’t have much else, but Jokic has raised his play and has raised the play of his teammates. This is only his second year; he’s only going to get better. He didn’t make the all-star game this year, but this guy is going to be a perennial all-star for years to come.