The pressure is on Jokic to be NBA champion
Jokic had a long summer to ponder his future and after receiving the biggest contract in NBA history, he returns with a mission: to be a champion with the Nuggets.
It is not an easy goal in a conference full of talent.
1- What is Nikola Jokic’s challenge/goal?
After getting a five-season, $272 million contract extension that will take effect beginning in the 2023-24 season, the pressure is on him to win a ring in that time frame.
Talent and determination is what this giant has in abundance to lead his team. In fact, that’s what he has been doing in recent seasons, and he has proven that he is capable of doing it. He has been voted MVP for the last two seasons for a reason.
What is expected from Jokic this year? Simply more of the same: continue to take on the responsibility of being the team’s leader and look to turn Denver’s constant threat of being a serious title contender into reality.
On the Orlando bubble, the Nuggets made it to the conference finals. The step forward would be to get to the grand finals and try to win it. Jokic is the main weapon of Denver’s success. But to achieve it, he should have the help of players like Jamaal Murray, Michael Porter Jr and Aaron Gordon who in the previous season were non-factors due to their constant injuries.
2- A key stat or number for Nikola Jokic this season.
- Nikola Jokic’s age at the start of this season. Over the past two seasons, the ‘Joker’ averaged 26.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game, totaled PERs of 32.1 and 30.9 win-share and racked up 35 triple-doubles, including leading 2021-22 with 19.
Despite his numbers and two MVP trophies in recent seasons, it’s possible that, considering the age, we have yet to see the best version of the Joker. With the return of Jamal Murray, it’s also possible that his numbers may not be MVP numbers, but he’s still a better player. An NBA title, or several, should be on his list of priorities. It will be up to him and how much he wants it from here on out.
3- Real or not: Nikola Jokic will win his third consecutive MVP.
The last player to win three consecutive MVP awards was Larry Bird, from 1984 to 1986. Not even Michael Jordan did it, nor did Magic Johnson. In recent times, Giannis Antetokounmpo has won two in a row, as has Stephen Curry. LeBron James came close, but Derrick Rose prevented him from winning five in a row, from 2009 to 2013.
For this season Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray will return, so naturally some of the stats for the Serbian will diminish. This time, likewise, the voters will be more demanding. Jokic would have to lead Denver to one of the best records in the league and repeat his two recent campaigns, which especially the latter, was one of the best ever for a center.
Jokic, who is ranked No. 2 by ESPN this season, could not only join Bird if he achieves such a feat, but also the other two legendary centers who did it: the recently departed Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.
The Serbian is the first player in history to average 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists per game in a tournament. In addition, he had an on-ball efficiency (PER) of 32.8, the highest in the history of the league. He also led his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and field goal percentage.
He recorded 19 triple-doubles, the most in the NBA. The only center with more triple-doubles in a season is Chamberlain. If there’s anyone who can win a third straight MVP it’s Jokic, but I’m inclined to say fiction. And I’m fine with that. The name Bird still deserves special distinction.
