via Getty
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a foul called on teammate Michael Porter Jr. (1) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
via Getty
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a foul called on teammate Michael Porter Jr. (1) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets fans now have a new name to chant, the reigning MVP award winner Nikola Jokic is the new hero for all Nuggets fans. The 26-year-old is one of the best in the league and has changed the way his team plays with his exceptional performances.
Despite all his contributions, he doesn’t always get the praise he deserves. Jokic is rarely mentioned while talking about the best players in the league, despite having the numbers to back that claim up.
Nuggets legend Lafayette “Fat” Lever had a lot of praise for the MVP. According to him, Jokic is his man-crush, and he loves the way the Serbian carries himself.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 7, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after his score in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Fat lever heaps praise on Nikola Jokic
Talking on George Karl’s podcast, Fat Lever talked about his favorite player in the Denver Nuggets. It is their star man, Nikola Jokic. The Serbian is the driving force behind the Denver Nuggets and is in the race to win another MVP award.
According to Fat Lever, “That’s my man crush. I love the way he plays. I love the way he carries himself on and off the court.” Some kind words coming from a Nuggets legend himself.
As good as Jokic is, he doesn’t get the love he deserves. So Fat Lever, an all time great Nugget and PG in the League, gave him love this week! pic.twitter.com/s0LOgqnZPq
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) January 16, 2022
In 6 seasons for the Denver Nuggets, Fat Lever averaged 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists for the franchise. His legendary number 12 was retired by Denver for his contributions to the team.
Nikola Jokic in the 2021-2022 season
The Serbian center has been amazing for his team this season. He averages 25.3 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists this season. Despite his team being 6th in the western conference standings, Jokic’s play has consistently impressed.
via Getty
DENVER, CO – APRIL 19: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after the second overtime of Denver”u2019s 139-137 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on Monday, April 19, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
He remains hot on the trails of MVP leader Giannis Antetokounmpo and he takes the number 2 position in the latest MVP ranking.
Do analysts and pundits overlook Jokic?
Considered one of the most underrated players in the league, most fans accuse media houses of always sidelining Jokic. During a discussion among ESPN panelists, most of the panelists laughed at the idea of Jokic winning the MVP award.
Zach Lowe of ESPN was the only one praising Nikola Jokic amongst the various others present. According to Lowe, “It’s beyond stupid that we frame the MVP race as a two-man race… Nikola Jokic belongs in the race.”
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“It’s beyond stupid that we frame [the MVP race] as a two man race … [Nikola Jokic] belongs in the race.”
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 15, 2021
—@ZachLowe_NBA was fired up discussing who should be the front-runner for MVP thus far pic.twitter.com/T5tcBGeMTz
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Do you think Nikola Jokic can win another MVP award? Let us know in the comments below
