Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has been crowned the 2023-24 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), the league announced on Wednesday. This achievement propels him into an exclusive group of basketball legends who have won at least three regular-season MVP awards, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Moses Malone.
Jokic outperformed formidable contenders such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks in the MVP race. Last year’s MVP, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, was ineligible for this season’s award due to not meeting the minimum requirement of 65 regular-season appearances.
Expressing gratitude, Jokic said, “It’s got to start with the teammates; without them, I cannot do nothing. Coaches, players, organization, medical staff, strength coaches, development coaches—it is all one big circle. But I cannot be whatever I am without them.”
This season, Jokic averaged an impressive 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists per game. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Denver Nuggets to a 57-25 regular-season record, securing the second place in the Western Conference. Supporting Jokic, teammate Jamal Murray contributed significantly with averages of 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
Jokic’s third MVP award not only cements his status among the NBA’s greats but also highlights the growing international influence in the league. His journey from Serbia to becoming one of the most dominant players in the NBA serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.
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Nikola Jokic becomes ninth player in NBA history to have three MVPs
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