“Not Even Playing for Real”: NBA Champion Gets Honest About Nikola Jokic’s Mentality Amid MVP Talks With Joel Embiid

As the season has reached its halfway point, NBA enthusiasts and analysts are talking about the MVP candidates for this year. Many players have delivered some exceptional performances this season, however, one name that stands out of the lot is Nikola Jokic. The 28-year-old center is leading his team, the Denver Nuggets who are currently third in the Western Conference rankings.

Looking at the exceptional performances displayed by the Joker, a former NBA champion spoke about him on his podcast Club 520. There, Jeff Teague applauded Jokic for his performance and emphasized how effortless he is at his craft.

Nikola Jokic is the best “Big” in the league

Jeff Teague and the guys had a discussion on who they think is the best ‘Big’ in the league. To that, one of the guys said Joel Embiid is the best Big in the league no matter how old he is. Countering that opinion, Teague said, “He not better than Jokic. Jokic ain’t even playing for real bro. That dude really not playing for real cause he don’t want to win MVP no more. That’s crazy. He like ‘I don’t want to win MVP, I don’t want to do that extra sh*t. I want to win the championship and go be with my horses.'” 

Jeff Teague is completely right about Jokic not playing for real. In his match against the Detroit Pistons, he was a playmaker and a shot-blocker averaging 4 points, 16 assists, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks. With this stat line, he became the first player in NBA history to earn 15+ assists, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks without scoring more than 5 points.

He had an open opportunity to make a new career high in assists. However, as the Mile High City had a comfortable lead, he decided to sit out the fourth quarter. This goes to show that the former NBA champion is not playing to break or set any new records. But then even after playing so causally how is he in the running for MVP?

Jokic on the course of winning his 3rd MVP

Nikola Jokic has missed only one game out of the 35 games this season and averaged 25.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists. His all-round talent is what makes him a special player and with the way he is going, he might be able to record a triple-double season. Only 2 players have been able to do that before, Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook.

Read More: Will Nikola Jokic Finish Above Stephen Curry in NBA’s All-Time Greats List When It’s All Done and Dusted?

Jokic’s efficiency is also remarkable, with shooting percentages of 55.9%, 33.3% from beyond the arc, and 81.8% from the free-throw line. His outstanding play has not only strengthened the Nuggets’ position in the Western Conference but has also placed them comfortably third in the homecourt competition with a 24-11 record, one game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. So, if Jokic continues to perform like this he is on course of winning his third MVP this season.

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