Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic is on the verge of achieving an extraordinary milestone this NBA season—averaging a 30-point triple-double. As the season approaches its conclusion, Jokic’s statistics stand at a remarkable 30 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, a statistical achievement unprecedented in NBA history. However, despite these stellar numbers, it’s likely he won’t clinch the MVP title.
Every year, the conversation about what defines a Most Valuable Player takes center stage, highlighting a perennial issue: the lack of a definitive MVP criterion. Should it be based on having the best statistics, Jokic is the obvious choice. However, if it reflects the best player from the best team, then the award should arguably go to Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is a strong contender.
This year, the MVP will undoubtedly be an international athlete for the seventh straight season. Gilgeous-Alexander might become the second Canadian ever to earn the honor after Steve Nash, who won twice. Jokic, hailing from Serbia, has won three of the past four MVP titles, while Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid from Cameroon have also won during this period.
Gilgeous-Alexander boasts impressive stats: 32.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game with a 52% shooting success rate. In NBA history, only Michael Jordan has achieved this feat, and he did so in consecutive seasons (1988-89 and 1989-90). Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praises Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and work ethic, noting how his self-confidence has become contagious among teammates.
Assuming Jokic maintains his assist statistics, he will be the third player in NBA history to conclude a season with a triple-double average after Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a cousin of Gilgeous-Alexander, acknowledges the fierce competition, recognizing Jokic’s exceptional capability.
As the season winds down and votes for the MVP are submitted, a common argument emerges: “How can someone average such numbers and not win MVP?” Yet, past NBA seasons show this is not a sure criterion. Despite multiple triple-double seasons, Westbrook won once, and Robertson didn’t win in his triple-double season, while even Jordan didn’t capture MVP in his best seasons.
With the MVP decision looming, the odds favor Gilgeous-Alexander according to BetMGM Sportsbook, giving him a significant lead over Jokic.
In other NBA awards, San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle is favored to win Rookie of the Year, marking potential consecutive wins for the team following Victor Wembanyama’s win last year. On the Defensive Player of the Year front, Golden State’s Draymond Green is leading, especially in the wake of Wembanyama’s sidelining due to health issues.
Most Improved Player sees Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels as the frontrunner, although Detroit’s Cade Cunningham is gaining attention and is likely to secure an All-NBA team spot. For Coach of the Year, Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson and Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff are leading, both having guided their teams to stellar seasons.
As the league and media deliberate over their votes, this year’s awards promise to reflect diverse achievements, rewarding exceptional talent and leadership on and off the court.