Nikola Jokic captures 2nd straight NBA MVP award: AP source

DENVER –

Nikola Jokic set records in NBA history with numbers like never before. Wilt is not to be trusted. Kareem. Not from “Air Jordan”. LeBron.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the Denver Nuggets’ big man won his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award after a record-breaking season. According to a person with knowledge of the decision, the NBA was likely to announce the award in the next few days, possibly this week.

ESPN first reported that Jokic would once again be named MVP, citing multiple sources.

The 7-foot center became league history’s first player to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, as well as 500 assists in one season. That kind of dominance by “Joker”, the nickname for the player, helped convince voters that he should be 13th member of the NBA’s exclusive MVP back to back club.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid was named the second and third finalists. He led the league in scoring average and was twice awarded MVP Giannis Antookounmpo by the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks.

Jokic, 27, averaged 27.1 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. He was playing on a team without Jamal Murray (ACL), and Michael Porter Jr. (back). The big man from Sombor in Serbia was called to help carry the load and lead the Nuggets to their 48-win season. They won the No. They earned the No.

Michael Malone, Nuggets coach said recently that it was “just remarkable what he’s accomplished.” saidJokic. “I’m biased. I have to admit that. The MVP is not a competition. While there are many great players out there, I don’t think they’re all bad players. But Nikola Jokic’s incredible performance this year with this team and everything we’ve been through is amazing.”

Jokic is eligible for a supermax extension, which could give him almost $254 million over five years starting in 2023-24. Next season, he’ll earn $32.4 million.

“There’s nothing more essential” than keeping Jokic in the Nuggets president for basketball operations Tim Connelly has recently stated. said.

Jokic has joined a select group of players who have won for the second season in a row. Antetokounmpo (twice), Stephen Curry (twice), Steve Nash (twice), LeBron James (twice), Steve Nash (twice), Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were the other players to win two consecutive seasons. The award was won by Bill Russell, Wilt chamberlain, and Larry Bird in three seasons.

Jokic will also have a chance to win a three-peat next year.

His teammates are not surprised by the award. They were there to see his performances every night.

Guard Bones Hyland wrote on Twitter: “Man.. I’ve been saying this all year, but I just woke awake happier than ever like I won it!” My boy man is so proud! Great Player but a even better Leader & Great Role model! Jokey, thank you for showing me the ropes. Bravo Ma Brother!”

George Karl, former Nuggets coach wrote: “Incredible Jokic!” He earned it. He was better than last year and was a leader for his team throughout the season.

Jokic was a legend for his pinpoint passing and soft touch. In fact, he finished the season with 19 triple-doubles. The 41st selection of the 2014 draft has now collected 76 points in his career. Chamberlain (78), is still the top center.

Jokic was asked what he would do to celebrate winning MVP after being eliminated from the playoffs. He averaged 31 points and 13.2 rebounds.

He said, “Probably with some beer, music, friends around, and family.” said. “Like you’re supposed.

“But even if I don’t get it, I’m not going to be dead.” I will keep playing and keep trying, just like I did all my life.

Jokic was once ridiculed for his game. His defense and inability to jump were two of the most critical things. His once-pudgy frame, which Spurs coach Gregg Popovich snidely criticized him for — now he has more strength.

Does it ever bother him that his game isn’t generating the same level of respect as standout players?

Jokic: “Can’t Care Less, Brother” said.

He has the vision of a point guard, and can see the court with clarity. His arsenal of shots includes soft 3-point touches and smooth baby hooks around rims.

Popovich gave the appropriate answer to a question about whether it was more important for Jokic to be removed from his shot attempts or passes. He said, “I don’t think anyone has figured that out.” said. “He’s an amazing one.”

Jokic is passionate about winning — not hardware, but games. Jokic isn’t one to lobby for his own cause, he just lets his numbers speak for him. He averaged 26.4 points and 10.8 boards per game, as well as 8.3 assists, last season, when he was crowned the winner. He was a star this season and made his fourth straight All Star team.

“If it’s enough, then it’s enough,” he said. said. “If not you cannot control that.”

Funny story about his MVP Trophy from a Season Ago: He received it a few weeks back. saidAs his family moved, he was not sure exactly where it was.

Jokic recently declared, “It is here at Denver.”

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This report was written by Tim Reynolds (AP Basketball Writer), Arnie Stapleton (AP Sports Writer), and Michael Kelly (freelance writer).