Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is arguably the most disrespected MVP in the history of the NBA.
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Nikola Jokic had a remarkable season last year with the Denver Nuggets. The 26-year-old averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game for the year. Due to his impressive displays throughout the season, he was chosen as the MVP of the year.
Despite being the runaway best player in the league, receiving 91 out of 101 MVP notes, the Serbian big man doesn’t receive nearly as much attention from the media when compared to stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo among others.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone elaborates on why reigning MVP Nikola Jokic is constantly disrespected.
Just this season, there have been multiple instances of people disrespecting Nikola Jokic. For example, the Denver Nuggets did not play on Christmas Day. As a result, Jokic is the first reigning MVP not to play on December 25 since the league went to five-holiday games in 2008.
In fact, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone had an explanation as to why a reigning MVP is so disrespected throughout the league. He goes on to say –
“Nikola Jokic is not sexy…. His wife might disagree, but the way he plays isn’t sexy. But if you are a true student of the game, you appreciate him.”
While this is quite hilarious from coach Malone, there is some truth to what he is seeing. After all, Nikola Jokic isn’t the most aesthetic player to watch in the NBA. He doesn’t have plays that make the highlight reel. The 26-year-old just makes the right play, which sometimes, can be seen as boring by many.
All that being said, Nikola Jokic is averaging 25.8 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game this season, which places the Serbian right in the middle of the MVP conversation for the second year in a row.