Nikola Jokic is a basketball phenomenon. He is the first player in NBA history to win both the regular season MVP and the Finals MVP in the same year, leading the Denver Nuggets to their first championship ever. He is also the first player to average at least 30 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists in a Finals series, and the first player to lead all players in total points, rebounds and assists in a single postseason. How did he do it? How did he become one of the best players in the world and the leader of a championship team? In this blog post, we will explore his journey from a second-round pick from Serbia to a NBA legend.
The Rise of Jokic
Nikola Jokic was born in Sombor, Serbia, on February 19, 1995. He grew up playing basketball with his two older brothers, who taught him the fundamentals of the game. He also developed a love for horses and animals, which he still enjoys today. He started his professional career at age 16 with Mega Basket, a Serbian team that gave him a chance to showcase his skills. He quickly impressed scouts and coaches with his unique combination of size, vision, passing and shooting. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 41st pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft, making him the lowest-drafted player to ever win the Finals MVP award.
Jokic made his NBA debut in 2015 and immediately showed his potential as a versatile big man who could do it all on the court. He averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as a rookie, earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. He improved his numbers every year, becoming an All-Star for the first time in 2019 and leading the Nuggets to their first playoff appearance since 2013. He also became known for his clutch performances and game-winning shots, earning him the nickname “The Joker”.
The MVP Season
In the 2020-21 season, Jokic took his game to another level. He played in all 72 games of the shortened season, averaging career-highs of 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. He led the league in double-doubles (60) and triple-doubles (16), while shooting 56.6% from the field, 38.8% from three-point range and 86.8% from the free-throw line. He became the first center to win the MVP award since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000, and the first player from Serbia to win it.
Jokic carried his momentum into the playoffs, where he faced tough opponents such as Damian Lillard’s Portland Trail Blazers, Chris Paul’s Phoenix Suns and Jimmy Butler’s Miami Heat. He averaged 28 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists per game in the postseason, leading the Nuggets to their first Finals appearance in franchise history. He was unstoppable in the Finals against the Heat, averaging 30.2 points, 14 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game in five games. He had three triple-doubles in the series, including a historic performance of 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 3. He was unanimously voted as the Finals MVP after leading the Nuggets to a 4-1 series victory.
The Legacy of Jokic
Nikola Jokic has cemented his place among the greatest players of all time with his incredible season and championship run. He has proven that he can dominate any opponent with his skill, IQ and heart. He has also inspired millions of fans around the world with his humble personality and love for the game. He is a role model for young players who dream of making it to the NBA, especially those who come from small towns and countries. He is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication and passion.
Nikola Jokic is the MVP of the NBA and the Finals. He is the champion of the basketball world. He is the Joker, and he always has the last laugh.
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