NBA MVP Ladder, No. 2: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
One of the most consistent players in the NBA and also considered to be the best passing big man the NBA has ever seen, Jokic has kept the Nuggets afloat after a slow start to the season. The Nuggets are currently sixth in the Western Conference and are one of the teams expected to improve over the second half of the season, but it all falls on the broad shoulders of Jokic.
He can dominate with his array of post moves and his newfound element of quickness on the baseline he has added to his game along with his niftiness and mobility. Jokic forces defenders to account for him in the paint and around the perimeter.
Jokic does things that we are not accustomed to seeing from a big man in the NBA with his guard-like skills that he possesses in his offensive arsenal. He makes good, sound decisions with the ball, rebounds well, and can score at will.
If the Nuggets can gain some momentum in the second half and if Jokic continues to put huge statistics, then he will remain in the MVP conversation. Jokic’s numbers are simply jaw-dropping considering he plays the center position. If Jokic is to remain a front-runner, then the Nuggets will have to move up in the standings as his stellar performances will have to translate into wins for his team.