Still immense this season, Nikola Jokic could be elected MVP for the third time in a row, but the subject is controversial in the basketball community. Asked about the subject, LeBron James as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo decided in cash.
In 75 years of history, only three players have achieved the feat of being elected MVP three times in a row. Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird: these are the names in question, all absolutely all-time basketball players. And the latter could well be joined by a fourth thief soon, as Nikola Jokic is just breathtaking in the jersey of the Nuggets in 2022-23.
The figures speak for themselves: this year, the Serb is shooting at nearly 25 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on average at 63% shooting and 40% behind the arc. He could therefore also become the third player after Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook to finish a campaign in triple-double of average. The icing on the cake, Denver leads the Western Conference as the season is in its three quarters.
When we combine all that, we say to ourselves that nothing should prevent him from being able to win the statuette for a third consecutive time after 2021 and 2022. Yes, but here we go, as we said above, such a feat no longer has been made since 1984-86, nearly four decades. Because the NBA likes to vary a little and could therefore award the trophy to someone else, like Jayson Tatum or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis and LeBron validate a 3rd MVP for Jokic
By the way, the Joker does not always get the recognition he deserves from the fans, having a less spectacular game because he is less athletic. However, his peers hold him in very high esteem, Giannis the first. Asked about the subject by ESPN On the sidelines of All-Star Weekend, the Greak Freak claimed to have no problem with the big man being rewarded again:
I think you should be judged not on what you’ve done in the past, but what you’re doing this season. If you are able to earn 10 MVPs in a row, earn 10 MVPs in a row. I think Michael Jordan was one of the greatest players of all time, and he was always great, but he only won five MVP titles in the 15 years he played, whereas LeBron won four MVP titles over 20 years.
Precisely, we also asked the question to the King, who gave a similar answer to that of the 2021 champion:
We sometimes hear about voter fatigue, who vote for the same person year after year. But at the end of the day, if he’s the MVP and playing like one, then you should get it year after year.
Giannis and LeBron say it cash, it would not be a scandal if Nikola Jokic was elected MVP three times in a row. His record speaks for itself… However, that does not mean that the competition will make his job easier, starting with the Milwaukee superstar.
