Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic is coming off an epic regular-season performance for the team. The former second-round pick from Serbia averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebound and 8.3 assists en route to leading Denver to a 47-25 record and the third seed in the Western Conference.
Jokic, 26, is now being awarded for his stellar play. In what can’t be considered too much of a surprise, the center has been named the 2020-21 NBA MVP over fellow finalists Stephen Curry and Joel Embiid.
As the 41st selection in the 2014 NBA Draft, Nikola Jokic becomes the lowest draft pick to ever win this top individual honor.
It’s well-deserved. Fellow star Jamal Murray went down with a torn ACL back on April 12. Following his injury, Denver posted a stellar 17-8 record. For his part, Jokic averaged 31.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists during that 25-game span to lead Denver to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Coming off a first-round playoff win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Nikola Jokic and his Nuggets are in the midst of a difficult conference semifinals matchup with the Phoenix Suns.