LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players to have ever lived. He was drafted first overall by his hometown team, Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and became an NBA champion when he led them to victory over Orlando Magic in 2007.
Nikola Jokic demonstrated why he is the reigning MVP in only two games. In Denver’s 102-96 triumph against the San Antonio Spurs, the Nuggets’ superstar scored 32 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is the coach of the San Francisco 49ers. spoke about Jokic after the game, drawing an honorable comparison to three-time MVP and all-time great Larry Bird.
Nikola Jokic dominated the Spurs of San Antonio.
Jokic, 26, scored 27 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out two assists in his season debut against the Phoenix Suns. But the Joker was at his best in Friday’s game versus San Antonio.
On 14-of-19 shooting, the 6-foot-11 big scored 32 points on a 73.7 percent clip. His last two points came on a 14-foot fadeaway with 1:32 left in the game, which helped Denver ice the victory. Jokic also has his highest rebounds since grabbing 20 against the Suns in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
“I’ve never seen someone play at his speed before.” Jokic’s sluggish Euro-step is unstoppable, according to teammate JaMychal Green. “He performs a lot of things that are unstoppable.” He’ll be the MVP once again.”
Jokic, who also had seven assists, three steals, and a block against the Spurs, is accustomed to bringing his A-game. In three games against San Antonio last season, the three-time All-Star averaged 28.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists.
Larry Bird has been likened to Jokic by Gregg Popovich.
After the two teams played on Friday night, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (L) was very complimentary of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (R). | Getty Images/Gregory Shamus | Getty Images/Jamie Schwaberow
Jokic is a one-of-a-kind talent who, at over seven feet tall, is a triple-double danger every night. Popovich, a five-time champion, is one of many who admire him.
Pop told reporters after the game, “Jokic is really terrific, and he was too much for us.” “He’s a very remarkable, intriguing, and unique player.”
After that, the long-serving Spurs coach likened the Joker to a legend — Larry Legend, to be precise.
“He reminds me of a 7-foot Larry Bird, you know?” He’s outstanding in terms of how he passes and reads stuff.”
Gregg Popovich
Similar to the current MVP, the 6-foot-9 Bird was a deadly facilitator as well as a scorer. The Boston Celtics great averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists over 13 seasons. Compare that to Jokic, who has lifetime averages of 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in his eighth season.
Is it possible for Nikola Jokic to win MVP for the second time?
Nikola Jokic should be far more well-known on a national level.
I’m not sure if there’s another player in the league that is more entertaining to watch and consistently performs at a high level every night. He’s the current MVP. No one in the league has the ability to stop him. Even now, some people believe it’s simply a funny anecdote.
October 23, 2021 — IC N I C IC S (@AndyGlockner)
As previously said, Green is one of the few people who feels Jokic will earn his second MVP award in a row. So far, he’s unquestionably the front-runner.
The Joker is one of 12 players averaging 29 points or more in the NBA’s opening weekend of regular-season competition. With 14.5 rebounds per game, he’s second only to Utah’s Rudy Gobert. Furthermore, the three-time All-NBA pick has guided Denver to a 2-0 start, and he’ll be carrying the team while running back Jamal Murray recovers from an ACL tear.
In the past, voters haven’t been hesitant about awarding the MVP to the defending champion. All five players who have won multiple MVPs in the previous 20 years have earned their second MVP the year following their first. It would be surprising if Jokic did not earn significant consideration if he can duplicate his achievements from last season.
Regardless, being compared to Larry Bird by one of the game’s greatest coaches is another another highlight of Jokic’s illustrious career.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics.
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