3. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
When you win the previous season’s MVP award, the expectations for you the next season are always going to be lofty. Jokic’s 2020/21 campaign was incredible, averaging 26.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 8.3 APG from the Center position.
Jokic’s numbers have dipped a bit this season (currently 25.1 PPG, 14.1 RPG, and 6.1 APG), but his FG% is up to 59.0% and he’s done all this without Jamal Murray (ACL tear) and a struggling Michael Porter Jr. who is now out as well.
You need good teammates to succeed, and Jokic is now left basically on his own to carry the Nuggets going forward. He is capable of doing this though, as shown by the fact that he currently leads the league in Win Shares with 2.6.