Madrid, May 18 (EFE) .- Serbian center Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, grows with the analysis of his statistics with a view to his chances of being named most valuable player (MVP) in the NBA.
For the amateur amateur in American competition, names like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, James Harden or Luka Dondic seem to be a couple of steps ahead of a player who does not stand out for his physical, but by his head and his ability.
In a competition in which strength and speed predominate, having a pure center devoid of these virtues appear in the MVP’s window seems almost a joke, but his statistics show that his candidacy is solid.
His averages of 26.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.4 steals in 35.4 minutes are on the same level as any of the other possible candidates and his percentages are not far behind 56.9%. from the field, 41.9% triples (3.4 attempts) and 85.4% free.
Other data in Jokic’s favor are being among the top 11 in the League in points, rebounds and assists, three of the main categories. He is also the NBA leader in double-doubles (51) and second in triple-doubles (15). It is also the leader in +/- total with + 339.
His generosity in the game also plays in favor of the Serbian. It is never the first option of anything, on the contrary, it usually generates game for its companions and its numbers arise almost spontaneously as a result of its talent, intelligence and vision of the game.
Then there is what many cite as the victor’s narrative, something like the prize wrapper. Jokic has not missed games due to injury, in the final minutes and in tight victories his prominence rose, and he is European, which would give that point of internationality to the MVP that he likes so much in the United States.
In addition, I would add another fact, banal for many but important for many others, being the MVP with the highest election number, since Nikola Jokic was chosen in the second round at number 41. Never a second round was chosen MVP. Jokic can break the mold.
(c) EFE Agency