Nikola Jokić: The Historical Dominance of the NBA’s Most Overlooked Superstar

In a league filled with flashy dunks, crossovers, and highlight-reel plays, there exists a basketball anomaly who dominates games with a style so uniquely effective that statistical models struggle to capture his true impact. Nikola Jokić, the Serbian center for the Denver Nuggets, has quietly assembled one of the most impressive résumés in NBA history, yet somehow remains underappreciated in basketball’s broader cultural conversation. Despite three MVP awards, a championship ring, and statistical achievements that literally rewrite record books, “The Joker” continues to fly under the radar compared to his superstar contemporaries. Let’s dive deep into why this basketball savant might just be the most underrated MVP in NBA history, dissecting his game, achievements, and the curious case of his muted celebration among casual fans.

The Statistical Marvel: Numbers That Defy Basketball Logic

When you look at Jokić’s statistical profile, you’re not just looking at excellent numbers – you’re witnessing basketball history being written in real-time. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from the center position has created a statistical footprint unlike anything the league has previously seen.

The Triple-Double Revolution

In the 2024-25 season, Jokić is averaging a near triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game4. Think about that for a moment – a 7-foot center is averaging double-digit assists while simultaneously being one of the league’s top scorers and rebounders. This isn’t just rare; it’s revolutionary.

What makes these numbers even more impressive is the consistency with which he produces them. Unlike guards who naturally handle the ball more, Jokić creates playmaking opportunities from the center position, often operating from the elbow or high post. His court vision rivals that of the greatest point guards in history, yet he delivers these passes with the size and strength to see over defenses in ways smaller players simply cannot.

“Clearly,” Jokić remarked earlier this season, “I believe I’m exhibiting the finest basketball of my life.”14

And the record books support this claim. Jokić became the fastest player in NBA history to accumulate 15,000 points, 7,500 rebounds, and 5,000 assists, achieving this milestone in just 709 games8. For context, Larry Bird previously held this record at 799 games – Jokić shattered it by 90 games, nearly an entire NBA season’s worth of contests.

Even more impressively, he’s the only player in the 2024-25 season to rank in the top 10 for points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game – a feat that’s never been accomplished in NBA history513. He’s not just dominating one aspect of the game; he’s excelling in virtually every statistical category.

Advanced Metrics: Breaking the Models

If traditional statistics paint Jokić as a unique talent, advanced metrics elevate him to potentially the most efficient player in NBA history. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 32.2 this season ranks as the second-highest ever recorded, trailing only his own previous mark of 32.9 from his 2021-22 MVP campaign14.

For perspective, the PER metric was designed to capture a player’s overall contribution, and typically, the all-time greats hover in the 27-30 range during their peak seasons. Jokić has pushed past these boundaries multiple times.

Consider these other advanced metrics from the current season7:

• Box Plus/Minus (BPM): 14.6 (all-time record)
• Win Shares per 48 minutes: 0.3368 (second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s best season)
• Offensive Box Plus/Minus: 11.0
• Defensive Box Plus/Minus: 3.6

These aren’t just impressive numbers; they represent the outer limits of what basketball analytics can measure. Jokić’s style of play – combining scoring efficiency, elite playmaking, and positioning-based defense – creates a statistical profile that analytics experts struggle to contextualize because there’s simply no historical comparison.

As Denver Stiffs noted: “The story of Nikola Jokic is not a story of inscrutable numbers and calculations beyond the ken of mortals. The numbers and calculations are telling the same story we are observing in real time, of a second round pick from Sombor, Serbia, who has turned himself into the most impactful and valuable player in the NBA in consecutive years.”9

The 2024-25 Season: Peak Performance

While Jokić has been exceptional throughout his career, the current 2024-25 season might represent his absolute peak. Beyond the near triple-double average, he’s shooting with remarkable efficiency – 57.4% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range5. For a player who takes as many shots as Jokić, this level of efficiency is virtually unprecedented.

On April 2, 2025, Jokić delivered perhaps the signature performance of his career: a jaw-dropping 61-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist masterpiece with 2 steals on 62% shooting from the field and 54% from three-point range. Even more telling? The Nuggets still lost the game5. This single game encapsulates the Jokić experience – historic individual brilliance that sometimes goes underappreciated when measured against team success.

His ability to carry the Nuggets has never been more apparent. As one Reddit user observed: “Without Jokić, I am genuinely believe that the Nuggets would be at the bottom of the NBA standings, and it wouldn’t even be a close call.”5

The Championship Validation: Silencing the Critics

For years, the primary criticism leveled against Jokić was the lack of a championship. That argument disappeared emphatically in 2023 when he led the Nuggets to their first NBA title, earning Finals MVP honors along the way.

The 2023 Playoff Masterclass

During the 2023 playoffs, Jokić elevated his already stellar play to unprecedented heights. The numbers alone tell a remarkable story: he averaged 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists throughout the championship run16. But it’s the specific moments and matchups that truly highlight his dominance.

In the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, featuring Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Jokić delivered a performance for the ages. Game 3 saw him post 30 points, 17 rebounds, and a playoff career-high 17 assists. He became the first player in NBA history to record 25+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 15+ assists in a playoff game16.

Just one game later, he exploded for a playoff career-high 53 points with 11 assists, becoming the first center in NBA history to record 50+ points and 10+ assists in a playoff game16. Durant, a former MVP himself, acknowledged Jokić’s greatness after the series, stating: “Jokić is an all-time great. He’s gonna go down as one of the all-time great centers to ever touch a basketball.”16

The Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals saw similar dominance, culminating in the Nuggets’ first championship. Any narrative about Jokić being a “regular season player” evaporated as he joined the exclusive club of players who have won both regular season MVP and Finals MVP.

Leading Without Superstar Help

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Jokić’s championship run was that he accomplished it without the typical superstar assistance that most NBA champions enjoy. While Jamal Murray is an excellent player who delivered several clutch performances, he has never been selected as an All-Star, let alone earned All-NBA recognition.

As Malone put it: “We’ve gotten spoiled watching him.”6

This stands in stark contrast to virtually every other MVP in history. As detailed in a recent NBA.com article: “In the history of MVP selections, not one went his entire career without a celebrated teammate.”6 Even players like Allen Iverson and Dirk Nowitzki, often cited as lone-star champions, had teammates who made All-Star or All-Defensive teams during their careers.

Jokić’s unique ability to elevate his team despite this lack of star power speaks to his singular impact on the court. The Nuggets’ offense ranks among the league’s best when he plays but collapses when he sits – a pattern that has remained consistent throughout his career6.

Why Does Jokić Remain Underrated?

Despite three MVP awards, a championship, Finals MVP, and statistical achievements that rival or surpass the greatest seasons in basketball history, Jokić doesn’t receive the cultural celebration comparable to peers with lesser achievements. What explains this curious disconnect?

Market Size and Media Dynamics

Playing in Denver rather than Los Angeles, New York, or Boston inevitably affects national media coverage. The Nuggets simply don’t command the same attention as teams in larger markets, regardless of their success. This geographical disadvantage creates a visibility gap that even three MVP awards haven’t fully closed.

The time zone difference compounds this issue. Many Nuggets games tip off when East Coast viewers are heading to bed, meaning a significant portion of basketball fans and media members simply see Jokić’s highlights and box scores rather than watching his complete games.

But market size alone doesn’t explain the phenomenon. There’s something about Jokić’s game and persona that seems to resist the traditional superstar treatment.

The Highlight Culture Disconnect

In an era where social media highlights drive player popularity, Jokić’s game presents a marketing challenge. His signature moves – no-look passes from the high post, subtle pump fakes, and soft touch finishes – don’t translate to viral clips as readily as thunderous dunks or ankle-breaking crossovers.

“The NBA is arguably worse at spotlighting Jokić than they have been with any other superstar in recent decades,” wrote Mike Singer of the Denver Post. “His game doesn’t produce the traditional highlights, but the league’s struggle to showcase his brilliance represents a failure of imagination.”

The casual fan’s appreciation often begins with athleticism and only later evolves to recognize subtler skills. Jokić, with his ground-bound style and emphasis on timing over explosiveness, skips that initial hook that draws many fans to players like Ja Morant or Zion Williamson.

The “Boring Brilliance” Effect

There’s a certain irony in describing a player who regularly delivers no-look passes and records triple-doubles as “boring,” yet this perception persists. Jokić’s greatness has a methodical quality – he dismantles defenses with surgical precision rather than overwhelming them with physical dominance.

This measured approach extends to his personality. Jokić is notoriously averse to self-promotion and media attention. He gives straightforward interviews, avoids controversy, and seems genuinely uncomfortable with the spotlight that accompanies his success. In a league where personality often drives popularity as much as performance, Jokić’s low-key demeanor may limit his cultural footprint.

The Daily Evergreen captured this dynamic perfectly: “Stop overthinking it. The 2024–25 NBA MVP race may be packed with worthy candidates, but when the dust settles, there is only one name that belongs on the trophy. Nikola Jokić. Again. Yes, again. Because what the Denver Nuggets’ center is doing this season isn’t just MVP-worthy, it is era-defining. We are watching one of the greatest individual stretches in modern basketball history, and somehow, we are beginning to grow bored of his brilliance.”13

Comparing Jokić to Historical Greats

To fully appreciate Jokić’s place in basketball history, we must compare him to both his contemporaries and the legends who preceded him.

Jokić vs. Traditional Centers

The center position has evolved dramatically over NBA history, from the dominant low-post scorers of the 1960s and 70s to the rim-protecting athletes of the 2000s. Jokić represents something entirely different – a playmaking hub who operates as effectively from the perimeter as the paint.

When compared to traditional centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Shaquille O’Neal, Jokić’s scoring volume may not match their peak seasons. However, his efficiency and versatility create value in ways these legends couldn’t approach. None of these centers ever averaged even 6 assists per game in a season; Jokić is currently averaging over 10.

His combination of scoring and playmaking most closely resembles Bill Walton, widely regarded as one of the greatest passing big men ever. However, Jokić has maintained elite production and durability in ways Walton unfortunately couldn’t due to injuries.

Defensively, Jokić doesn’t offer the rim protection of players like Hakeem Olajuwon or David Robinson, but his positioning, anticipation, and hands make him far more effective than box score statistics suggest. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in steals for a center and has improved his defensive rating each season.

Jokić vs. Modern MVPs

Perhaps a more relevant comparison comes from examining Jokić against recent MVP winners. In the past decade, the award has gone to players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James.

From an advanced metrics perspective, Jokić’s peak seasons exceed all of these players. His PER, Win Shares per 48 minutes, and Box Plus/Minus numbers from 2021-22 and 2024-25 represent the highest marks of any MVP winner in the modern era14.

The one-season statistical comparison between Jokić’s current campaign and other recent MVP seasons reveals his unique dominance:

• Jokić creates more points through combined scoring and assists than any recent MVP
• His rebounding numbers exceed those of non-center MVPs by significant margins
• His efficiency metrics surpass almost every comparable season

What truly separates Jokić is how he achieves these numbers without sacrificing team success. The Nuggets have consistently been among the Western Conference’s top teams during his prime, even without the supporting cast that most MVPs enjoy.

The Case for All-Time Status

At just 30 years old and in his tenth NBA season, Jokić has already assembled a résumé that places him among the greatest players ever:

• Three MVP awards (one of only nine players with 3+ MVPs)2
• NBA championship and Finals MVP4
• Six All-Star selections15
• Six All-NBA selections (four First Team)4
• Fastest player to 15,000 points, 7,500 rebounds, and 5,000 assists8
• Multiple seasons with historically unprecedented statistical profiles

If we were to rank him today, Jokić has already established himself as one of the 20 greatest players in NBA history, with a trajectory that could eventually place him in the top 10. Consider that he has already matched or exceeded the MVP count of legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Moses Malone, while potentially having another 5-7 years of elite play ahead of him.

As Yahoo Sports noted: “Let’s examine how the three-time MVP stacks up with the greatest seasons from Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain and Stephen Curry.”14 The fact that this comparison is even relevant speaks volumes about Jokić’s historical standing.

The Evolution of a Superstar: From Second-Round Pick to Basketball Immortality

Jokić’s journey to basketball greatness makes his achievements even more remarkable. Unlike most MVP winners who enter the league with enormous expectations, Jokić was selected 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft – a pick so under-the-radar that ESPN was airing a Taco Bell commercial when his name was announced.

The Developmental Arc

Jokić’s evolution from second-round project to NBA MVP represents one of the most impressive developmental arcs in sports history. He spent another season with Mega Basket in Serbia after being drafted, where he honed his skills and earned ABA MVP honors before coming to Denver17.

His NBA career showed steady progression: from promising rookie (10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds) to All-Star (2019) to MVP (2021) to champion (2023). This gradual improvement suggests a player who maximized his potential through work ethic and basketball intelligence rather than relying solely on natural gifts.

“Jokić has been leading the league in nearly every advanced stat,” noted Denver Stiffs. “It’s not a story of inscrutable numbers and calculations beyond the ken of mortals. The numbers and calculations are telling the same story we are observing in real time, of a second round pick from Sombor, Serbia, who has turned himself into the most impactful and valuable player in the NBA.”9

The International Impact

Jokić’s success represents another milestone in basketball’s globalization. As a Serbian superstar, he joins players like Dirk Nowitzki, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Hakeem Olajuwon as international players who have claimed the NBA’s highest individual honor.

His style of play – emphasizing skill, vision, and basketball IQ – showcases the European basketball tradition’s influence on the modern NBA. Rather than trying to conform to American basketball conventions, Jokić brought his unique approach to the league and forced everyone else to adapt.

This international perspective extends to his Olympic achievements as well. Jokić led Serbia to a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and a bronze at the 2024 Paris Games, where he “led all players in total points, rebounds, and assists.”17

The Future of Jokić’s Legacy

At 30 years old with three MVPs and a championship already secured, what might the remainder of Jokić’s career hold? Several intriguing possibilities emerge when examining his trajectory and the Nuggets’ competitive window.

Statistical Milestones Within Reach

If Jokić maintains something close to his current production for another 5-7 seasons, he will reach several remarkable statistical milestones:

• 20,000+ career points
• 10,000+ career rebounds
• 8,000+ career assists

The combination of these three benchmarks would place him in completely uncharted territory. No player in NBA history has accumulated these combined totals, with LeBron James being the only active player who might also reach them.

His triple-double pace also puts him on track to potentially challenge Russell Westbrook’s all-time record. Jokić has already surpassed players like Jason Kidd and LeBron James on the career triple-double list, moving into the top five all-time16.

Championship Window with the Nuggets

The Nuggets’ current competitive window appears solid but not unlimited. The team is built around Jokić with complementary pieces like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Russell Westbrook providing secondary playmaking and scoring.

With a record of 50-32 this season (tied for 3rd in the Western Conference)15, Denver remains a legitimate championship contender. However, the Western Conference continues to strengthen, with teams like Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and Dallas emerging as long-term threats.

The challenge for Denver’s front office will be maintaining a championship-caliber roster around Jokić without much financial flexibility. His supermax contract (a five-year, $264 million deal signed in 202216) is well-deserved but limits the team’s ability to add significant pieces through free agency.

If the Nuggets can secure at least one more championship during Jokić’s prime, his legacy as one of the greatest players ever will be virtually unassailable.

Why Voter Fatigue Threatens to Undervalue Greatness

As Jokić continues his historic run, a curious phenomenon threatens to undermine proper recognition of his achievements: voter fatigue. Despite producing arguably the greatest statistical season of his career in 2024-25, Jokić faces strong competition for the MVP award from players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose Thunder team has secured a better record.

This dynamic has played out repeatedly in NBA history, perhaps most famously with Michael Jordan in the 1990s, when many observers believe he deserved more than five MVPs. The desire for fresh narratives sometimes overwhelms the simple question of who is truly the most valuable player.

A Reddit user captured this frustration: “Currently, it seems to be influenced by voter fatigue and a reluctance among voters to see a White European accumulate as many MVPs as their historical icons. It’s unfortunate that past decisions overshadow the potential recognition of present players who genuinely merit it.”5

While such claims about voter motivations are speculative, the statistical case for Jokić remains overwhelming. As The Daily Evergreen argued: “If the point of the award is to honor the most valuable player – not the most entertaining, not the best storyline, not the guy who hasn’t won it yet – then what is the hesitation?”13

Conclusion: Appreciating Basketball Brilliance Beyond the Obvious

Nikola Jokić represents a type of basketball brilliance that challenges conventional evaluation. His game demands a deeper understanding of basketball’s nuances – the value of court geometry, the timing of passes, the subtle manipulations of defenders through footwork and eye movement. These skills don’t always translate to highlight reels, but they translate directly to winning basketball.

With three MVPs, a championship, and statistical achievements that literally rewrite the record books, Jokić has built a résumé that places him among the all-time greats. Yet there remains a curious gap between his accomplishments and his cultural footprint – a disconnect that makes him perhaps the most underrated superstar in contemporary sports.

The Jokić phenomenon offers a valuable lesson about basketball appreciation. The most impactful players aren’t always the most spectacular, and the most spectacular aren’t always the most impactful. Jokić’s career invites us to look beyond the obvious and recognize that true greatness sometimes comes in unexpected packages.

As fans and analysts, we have the privilege of watching one of the most unique talents in basketball history operate at the peak of his powers. Whether this translates to appropriate recognition in MVP voting or cultural celebration remains to be seen, but the historical record will ultimately reflect what careful observers already know: Nikola Jokić is crafting one of the most exceptional careers the NBA has ever witnessed.

Nikola Jokić’s Career Progression

Season	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Accomplishments
2015-16	10.0	7.0	2.4	All-Rookie First Team
2016-17	16.7	9.8	4.9	–
2017-18	18.5	10.7	6.1	–
2018-19	20.1	10.8	7.3	First All-Star, All-NBA First Team
2019-20	19.9	9.7	7.0	All-Star, All-NBA Second Team
2020-21	26.4	10.8	8.3	MVP, All-Star, All-NBA First Team
2021-22	27.1	13.8	7.9	MVP, All-Star, All-NBA First Team
2022-23	24.5	11.8	9.8	Champion, Finals MVP, All-NBA Second Team
2023-24	26.4	12.4	9.0	MVP, All-Star, All-NBA First Team
2024-25	29.6	12.7	10.2	Season in progress

Jokić vs. Other 3-Time MVPs (Career Averages)

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Championships
Nikola Jokić	21.8	10.9	7.2	1
Larry Bird	24.3	10.0	6.3	3
Magic Johnson	19.5	7.2	11.2	5
Moses Malone	20.6	12.2	1.4	1
LeBron James	27.1	7.5	7.4	4

FAQs About Nikola Jokić

What makes Nikola Jokić’s statistical profile so unique compared to other NBA MVPs?
Jokić is the only player in NBA history to rank in the top 10 for points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game in a single season (2024-25). He’s also the only player to ever record a season with 2,000+ points, 1,000+ rebounds, and 500+ assists. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from the center position creates a statistical footprint that has no historical precedent. Unlike guards who naturally handle the ball more, Jokić generates elite playmaking numbers while simultaneously being one of the league’s most efficient scorers and top rebounders.

How does Jokić’s lack of All-Star teammates compare to other multiple MVP winners?
Jokić stands alone among multiple MVP winners in never having an established All-Star teammate during his MVP seasons. Even players often considered “lone stars” like Allen Iverson and Dirk Nowitzki had All-Star or All-Defensive teammates at points in their careers. The closest comparison might be Russell Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star who joined Jokić as a sixth man late in his career. This lack of star support makes Jokić’s achievements even more remarkable, as he’s elevated the Nuggets to championship status without the typical superstar assistance that most NBA champions enjoy.

Is Jokić’s defense actually a weakness, as some critics suggest?
While Jokić may not be an elite rim protector in the traditional sense, his defense is significantly better than casual perception suggests. In 2024-25, he ranks 2nd in the NBA in steals among centers and has a positive Defensive Box Plus/Minus of 3.6. His defensive approach relies on positioning, anticipation, and active hands rather than shot-blocking. The Nuggets’ team defense performs better with him on the court, and advanced metrics consistently rate him as a positive defensive player. His defensive limitations are also strategic – as Denver’s offensive engine, he cannot afford to be in foul trouble, which sometimes leads to calculated disengagement in certain defensive situations.

Why does Jokić seem to receive less media attention than other superstars with similar or lesser achievements?
Several factors contribute to Jokić’s relatively lower media profile. Playing in Denver, a mid-market team in the Mountain time zone, naturally results in less national coverage compared to stars in Los Angeles, New York, or Boston. His playing style, while devastatingly effective, doesn’t produce the highlight-reel dunks and athleticism that drive social media engagement. Additionally, Jokić’s personality is notably understated – he avoids self-promotion, gives straightforward interviews, and seems uncomfortable with the spotlight. This combination of market dynamics, playing style, and personal demeanor creates a visibility gap that even three MVPs haven’t fully closed.

What statistical achievements and milestones might Jokić reach by the end of his career?
If Jokić maintains something close to his current production for another 5-7 seasons, he could reach several unprecedented statistical milestones. He’s on pace to become the only player in NBA history with 20,000+ points, 10,000+ rebounds, and 8,000+ assists. He’s already the fastest player ever to reach 15,000 points, 7,500 rebounds, and 5,000 assists (709 games). His triple-double pace also puts him on track to potentially challenge Russell Westbrook’s all-time record. Perhaps most importantly, if he maintains his efficiency and production, he could finish with the highest career PER in NBA history, a record currently held by Michael Jordan.

Citations:

1. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/3112335/nikola-jokic
2. https://www.nba.com/news/nikola-jokic-2023-24-kia-mvp
3. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/player/nikola-joki%C4%87-9226/career-stats
4. https://www.landofbasketball.com/nba_players/nikola_jokic.htm
5. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1jpis6t/jokic_clearly_deserves_mvp_again_and_im_not_even/
6. https://www.nba.com/news/nuggets-nikola-jokic-historic-season-2024-25
7. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1i8xz1m/bball_ref_has_jokic_at_742_to_win_mvp_advanced/
8. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/nikola-jokic-nba-history-points-rebounds-assists
9. https://www.denverstiffs.com/love-in-the-time-of-analytics-the-nikola-jokic-story-mvp-embiid-giannis-denver-nuggets/
10. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3112335/nikola-jokic
11. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html
12. https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/the-statistics-of-nikola-jokics-mvp-caliber-season
13. https://dailyevergreen.com/187764/sports/opinion-it-might-be-the-boring-pick-but-jokic-is-mvp/
14. https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/its-official-nikola-jokic-is-having-the-greatest-statistical-regular-season-in-nba-history-160810509.html
15. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/player/nikola-joki%C4%87-9226
16. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87
17. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nikola-Jokic
18. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/jokic-total-points-in-nba-career
19. http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/id/33
20. https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/15393/nikola-jokic
21. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/3112335/nikola-jokic
22. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3112335/nikola-jokic
23. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/how-many-mvps-does-jokic-have
24. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/61667/nikola-jokic
25. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/jokic-career-stats-and-accolades
26. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nikola-jokic-career-stats
27. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/2025-nba-mvp-race-nikola-jokic-shai-gilgeous-alexander-head-to-head-breakdown
28. https://m.aiscore.com/basketball/player-undefined/n527rjsg0zh6kev/trophies
29. https://www.nba.com/stats/player/203999/career
30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dj5VvffqUI
31. https://www.reddit.com/r/NBATalk/comments/1dzriaq/why_didnt_nikola_jokic_win_mvp_in_2023/
32. https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/44152877/nba-betting-why-nikola-jokic-only-bet-make-mvp
33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALDbv77VGNc
34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEi8STST4Gg
35. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5943228/2024/11/27/nba-lookahead-nikola-jokic-mvp/
36. https://www.reddit.com/r/NBATalk/comments/1ju6kgg/crazy_how_everyone_knows_jokic_is_the_real_mvp/
37. https://www.rightstorickysanchez.com/p/031123
38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBpHD4UwfhM
39. https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/shai-gilgeous-alexanders-best-case-vs-nikola-jokics-best-ever-this-mvp-race-is-a-riddle-142108983.html
40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr409W5_9h4
41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYUD8zXyvEM
42. https://www.nba.com/stats/players/advanced-leaders
43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVPer0oitLI
44. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87
45. https://sports.yahoo.com/fact-or-fiction-is-nikola-jokic-enjoying-the-greatest-statistical-regular-season-ever-160810426.html
46. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-mvp-advanced-stats-last-10-years
47. https://www.reddit.com/r/NBATalk/comments/1et8bhu/for_someone_new_to_nba_like_me_can_you_explain/
48. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/3112335/nikola-jokic
49. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/l300xk/if_youre_a_follower_of_advanced_analytics_nikola/
50. https://3stepsbasket.com/player/nikola-jokic/advanced
51. https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofhighlights/video/7482217674773171498
52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Vt3YCIgGw
53. https://www.theringer.com/2021/05/11/nba/nba-defense-analytics-nikola-jokic
54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjGeAKjmG3Y
55. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/player/nikola-joki%C4%87-9226/career-stats
56. https://www.nba.com/news/nuggets-nikola-jokic-historic-season-2024-25
57. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html
58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBAB3dLp39w
59. https://www.nba.com/news/the-athletic-the-nikola-jokic-effect-how-a-quiet-mvp-front-runner-gets-the-most-from-his-teammates
60. https://www.nba.com/watch/list/collection/best-of-nikola-jokic
61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxHWU1Bnl0g
62. https://briandoddonleadership.com/2025/01/26/5-leadership-lessons-on-being-the-best-in-the-world-from-the-denver-nuggets-nikola-jokic/
63. https://www.nba.com/watch/video/nikola-jokic-joins-inside-the-nba-game-7-nuggets-clippers
64. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/tsvpr3/advanced_stats_visualized_for_mvp_candidates/
65. https://hashtagbasketball.com/triple-doubles/nikolajokic
66. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/advancedstats/_/id/3112335/nikola-jokic
67. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nikola-jokic-mvp-stats
68. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/jokic-triple-double-by-season
69. https://craftednba.com/players/nikola-jokic
70. https://sportsanalytics.berkeley.edu/articles/jokic-mvp.html
71. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/nikola-jokic-nba-career-triple-doubles-by-season-complete-list
72. https://3stepsbasket.com/player/nikola-jokic/shooting?season=nba25
73. https://www.nba.com/player/203999/nikola-jokic
74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5571XidgMDY
75. https://www.reddit.com/r/NBATalk/comments/1jm30cq/unpopular_opinion_jokic_doesnt_deserve_mvp_this/?tl=pt-pt
76. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdTTnGM8wGE
77. https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/2025-nba-mvp-race-rankings-stats-analysis-for-shai-gilgeous-alexander-nikola-jokic-other-top-contenders
78. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5PgixmWUg8
79. https://www.rebanse.ph/nba-this-advanced-metric-stat-proves-why-jokic-should-be-the-2024-2025-mvp/
80. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7sXbbdgI4U
81. https://www.nba.com/player/203999/nikola-jokic/bio
82. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI7sgorGHf0
83. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nikola-Jokic
84. https://www.nba.com/news/nikola-jokic-sits-against-celtics-with-illness
85. https://www.nba.com/stats/player/203999
86. https://basketnews.com/news-190446-nikola-jokic-records-a-historic-triple-double-vs-heat.html
87. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nikola-jokic-advanced-stats-this-season

---

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share