Nikola Jokic has been one of thirteen players to ever win a back-to-back MVP. His skill and stats no doubt back up the claim that he deserves these MVP awards. With the 2022-23 season rapidly approaching the MVP award is currently up in the air. It won’t be easy for Jokic to win a third MVP but it is possible. There have been three players ever to win three MVPs in a row. Here’s Jokic’s path to winning his 3rd MVP in a row.
Can Nikola Jokic Win His 3rd MVP in a Row?
Better Team
Last year Jokic carried a terrible team away from the play-in to end as a sixth seed. The year before for Jokic’s first MVP the team finished as a 3rd seed. Since then they’ve been able to acquire new role players that should attribute to winning basketball. Bringing in Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Ish Smith could all impact winning in the rotation.
They also will be gaining back both Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray from injury. Murray’s last healthy season showed him averaging 21 points and 5 assists while shooting 40% from three. Murray has yet to be an All-Star in his young career, but he puts up All-Star caliber stats and impacts winning. Porter jr. should also impact winning as his last healthy season had him scoring 19 points while shooting 45% from three.
With two star-level players coming back and the addition of multiple quality role players, the Nuggets to finish as one of the better teams out west. For the most part, the NBA MVP tends to come from a star on one of the higher seeds. The addition of better teammates should also help Jokic’s play-making stats. Last year he averaged 7.9 assists whereas with better players two years ago he had 8.3 assists. With more players that can hit shots around him, his stats should skyrocket. His scoring may dip a tiny bit, but the increased efficiency should make that up.
Voter Fatigue Immunity
The usual factor that holds players back from winning too many awards is the fact that the media doesn’t want to vote for the same players. This term is called voter fatigue and impacts many players. Jokic may become a victim of voter fatigue and not win, but there may be some factors that’ll keep that from occurring.
One reason that Jokic will survive voter fatigue is his uniqueness as a player. His uniqueness is highlighted by his ability to play-make with that big of a frame. The voters may respect this once-in-a-lifetime type of player and give it to him.
Another reason they may give him the award is the story narrative this may create if the Nuggets can win a championship. Everyone knew last year that the Nuggets had no hope of winning. This year may be different as the Nuggets are one of the favorites to come out of the west. If the Nuggets look dominant enough that they’re the favorites the voters may look towards Jokic and give it to him in hopes he wins.
