Every year, the NBA MVP race captivates fans and analysts alike. The 2021 season proved to be no exception, with Nikola Jokic ultimately taking home the prestigious award. What makes Jokic’s performance stand out so much? Let’s dive into the numbers and the context of his extraordinary season.
Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ star center, averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game over the regular season. These numbers themselves are impressive, but consider the efficiency with which he produced them. Jokic finished the season with a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 31.3, which is one of the highest in NBA history. Only legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Wilt Chamberlain have posted similar PER scores. This metric is vital as it quantifies a player’s per-minute statistical production, providing a comprehensive look at their overall impact on the game.
Moreover, Jokic’s contribution to his team extends beyond just his stat line. He played in all 72 games of the shortened 2020-2021 season, a rare feat in today’s NBA where load management often keeps stars off the court. His durability was critical, especially in a season disrupted by the pandemic and an unusually condensed schedule. Not only did he show incredible endurance, but he also led the Nuggets to a 47-25 record, securing the third seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Few big men in history have demonstrated such versatility and durability combined.
To truly appreciate Jokic’s season, one must consider his All-Star and First Team All-NBA selections. He joined an elite group of players who have achieved this double honor in the same year. When was the last time a center dominated the MVP conversations like this? You’d probably have to go back to Shaquille O’Neal in the early 2000s. The truth is, centers have embraced new roles in modern basketball, but none have done it quite like Jokic. He’s essentially a point guard in a center’s body, orchestrating the offense with pinpoint passes and an uncanny basketball IQ.
What about his impact on advanced statistics? Jokic led the league in Win Shares with 15.6, a hefty margin over the second-place finisher, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 12.5. Win Shares attempts to measure a player’s total contribution to his team’s wins. Analyzing this stat helps debunk the myth that Jokic’s impact is limited to traditional box scores. His ability to lead in such a comprehensive statistic further cements his status as the league’s most valuable player.
Besides his statistical feats, let’s not forget the narrative element crucial to any MVP campaign. Jokic was a second-round draft pick, the 41st overall in 2014. The MVP award usually goes to top-tier first-round picks or highly touted prospects. His rise from relative obscurity to the pinnacle of individual success in basketball is a story that resonates deeply with fans and critics. His journey reflects not just skill but an exceptional work ethic and dedication to the sport. This alone makes Jokic’s MVP season more compelling and historic.
One could easily argue that the most vital part of Jokic’s game is his exceptional passing ability. This season, he recorded multiple triple-doubles, often leading his team’s fast breaks, a role typically reserved for guards. Comparatively, only Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson—both guards—have showcased similar versatility and leadership on the court. In a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jokic tallied 50 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds, showcasing his multifaceted skill set in one explosive performance. Such games weren’t outliers but rather a continuation of his consistent excellence throughout the season.
It’s also interesting to see how Jokic’s performance affected his teammates. The advanced statistics show that Denver’s offense thrived when he was on the court. His ability to create scoring opportunities for others led to career-high seasons for several teammates. Take Michael Porter Jr., for instance, who significantly benefited from Jokic’s on-court presence, taking his scoring average from 9.3 to 19.0 points per game within a single season. This kind of development is no coincidence; it’s a direct impact of playing alongside an MVP-caliber player.
But what does this mean for the NBA as a whole? Jokic’s MVP season challenges the conventional wisdom of what a Most Valuable Player should be. Traditionally, guards and forwards who’ve excelled in scoring and playmaking have dominated the award. Jokic’s win signals a potential shift in how teams and the broader basketball community value different skill sets and roles. One can’t help but wonder if this will inspire more franchises to rethink the versatility and responsibilities of their big men.
It’s not just about the statistics and accolades, either. Jokic’s style of play—his unique blend of skills and basketball IQ—brings a refreshing diversity to the MVP winners’ list. He doesn’t dominate with sheer athleticism or explosiveness but rather with finesse, vision, and an unselfish approach to the game. For young players around the world who don’t possess the physical attributes of a LeBron James or a Kevin Durant, Jokic’s success offers a different blueprint for achieving greatness.
In a season where health protocols, injuries, and an intense schedule put everyone to the test, Jokic stood tall—not just literally at 7 feet but also in his ability to rise above challenges. That resilience, coupled with his outstanding statistical contributions and historic achievements, makes his 2021 campaign one of the most remarkable in recent memory. [nba mvp 2021](https://arenaplus.ph/) of the 2021 season, Jokic, has truly set a new standard.