Mike Malone: “Jokic Is An MVP Candidate”

The Denver Nuggets are experiencing their best start since 1976/77 season. Since then, this is the first campaign in which they have a one-digit number of losses after opening 30 games.

But not only that the Nuggets are on top of the Western Conference, looking from above teams like Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and even the champions the Golden State Warriors. All three teams had MVP players over the past few years.

Now we have a question for you. If Denver finishes first is it possible for someone from their team to be among the candidates for winning the award at the end of this season?

https://twitter.com/AlvaroMdL6/status/1075325769029746690

According to coach Mike Malone, that question isn’t supposed to be asked.

After the game against Dallas Mavericks, he gave an interview in which he praises Nikola Jokic for his performances in these 30 matches,

On the question about Jokic’s contribution and what he saw in his game so far, Malone didn’t hesitate to give a straight answer.

“Everything”. and then he continued. “We needed to score, he scores 32. We needed to rebound he does that, we needed him to facilitate, make plays for his teammates he does that.”

Jokic finished the game against the Mavs with 32 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, shooting 13 of 25 from the field.

But his game wasn’t on the high level only in the past few weeks. The Serbian 6-foot-11 indicated his possibilities way back two years ago during his sophomore season. It is why he was given a 5-year deal worth $147 million.

The club acknowledged his talent now it is a time for the league to does the same according to coach Malone.

“Nikola has shown everybody in the NBA … that he is an MVP candidate. Not just from a stats standpoint — he does it every single night and in so many different ways. That’s why he’s a special player.”

Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic: “He is a Most Valuable Player candidate.” pic.twitter.com/ESRKI06jCu

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) December 19, 2018

The Joker is averaging 18.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals for only 30 minutes per game. Still, the numbers aren’t displaying his true influence on Denver’s results. He can easily play on the point guard position even though he is a center. His vision and creativity are way better than at half of the guards in the league, which is why we can often see some of his assists in the top 10 plays.

Along with youthful teammates, he makes a perfect leader for the Nuggets, who are performing much better than anyone expected. But Jokic doesn’t want to talk about that very much.

“It’s a good thing. But we need to stay hungry,” Jokic said. “We can get better.”

Now, if there is more room for improvement imagine Jokic one level above. He would be the No.1 favorite to win the MVP award, no debates about it.

Passing wizardry from Nikola Jokic! 🃏#MileHighBasketball 87#MFFL 82

WATCH FREE: https://t.co/cYXnbWzIYB pic.twitter.com/P88sXZUjcV

— NBA (@NBA) December 19, 2018

His Nuggets are currently facing many injuries, and one of the biggest problems is Paul Millsap’s absence. The big strong fella who arrived from Atlanta is out of the rotation and will be for a long time, which leaves Jokic with fewer minutes for resting and with more obligations on the floor. If his team continues to win with the same tempo, everybody should know that it is mostly because of this guy.

It is up to the experts to decide whether Joker deserves to be named the MVP candidate. If they listen to the crowd, the answer is yes. If they look at the stats, the answer is the same. If they see how he plays… Well, we are not going to speak in their name.