While it’s clear that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is having a phenomenal MVP-worthy season, leading the NBA in scoring and helping his team to the best record in the Western Conference, betting on Nikola Jokic for MVP might be the most sensible option at this point in the season.
Though SGA is the favorite in the MVP race, the odds provided by ESPN BET show that Jokic offers significant value at +400, whereas SGA’s odds of -700 don’t yield much upside for bettors. This makes Jokic a more intriguing option to consider for the MVP.
Nikola Jokic is no stranger to MVP honors, having won the award in three of the last four seasons. His MVP finishes over the past three years are incredibly impressive, with Jokic securing first place in 2020-21 and 2021-22, and finishing second to Joel Embiid in 2022-23.
If Jokic wins his fourth MVP this year, he will join Bill Russell and LeBron James as the only players to win four MVPs in five seasons. His track record places him in the upper echelons of NBA history and reflects his continued dominance.
Jokic’s Triple-Double Pursuit and Advanced Metrics Showcase His Unmatched Impact This Season
Jokic is having one of the most remarkable seasons in NBA history, as he is on track to become the first center—and only the third player ever—to average a triple-double for an entire season.
His averages of 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game are mind-boggling and put him in rarefied air alongside Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Jokic is also on pace to finish in the top 3 in all three major statistical categories—points, rebounds, and assists—something no player has ever done.
Nikola Jokic (NFL)Beyond box score statistics, Jokic’s influence on the game is undeniable. Utilizing metrics like Net Points, which evaluates every player’s contribution based on play-by-play data, Jokic ranks first in both offensive and overall Net Points in the NBA, surpassing even SGA.
Additionally, plus/minus stats also highlight Jokic’s superiority. The Denver Nuggets are 20 points per 100 possessions better when Jokic is on the floor, compared to a +15.8 mark for SGA’s Thunder. These advanced metrics reflect Jokic’s immense impact on his team’s success.
Jokic’s Historic Contributions and Multi-Category Dominance Make Him a Strong MVP Contender
While the “best player on the best team” argument is often used to determine MVP candidacy, the reality is more nuanced. Despite SGA’s remarkable season and his leadership of the top team in the West, Jokic’s statistical contributions are historically significant.
His ability to dominate across multiple categories and impact his team’s performance more than any other player in the league makes him a strong contender. The combination of his triple-double potential, his top-tier stats, and his team’s performance places Jokic in a rare position.
While it’s not guaranteed that Jokic will win the MVP this season, his outstanding contributions to the Denver Nuggets make him a legitimate contender.
Despite SGA’s impressive campaign, Jokic’s record-setting performances and advanced metrics showcase why he might be the most valuable player in the league. With his dominant play on both ends of the floor and his historic season, Jokic is unquestionably a top-tier candidate for the MVP award.
