The MVP Race Is Over? How Nikola Jokic Continues to Redefine Dominance at 29

As the NBA’s regular season approaches the 20% completion mark, one question looms large: Who is the league’s best player so far? For most fans, analysts, and even players, the answer is nearly unanimous: Nikola Jokic.

Recent polls, like ESPN’s early-season MVP rankings, highlight this dominance. Jokic captured 67% of first-place votes, scoring 50 points overall to comfortably lead the pack. Behind him were Anthony Davis (22 points), Jayson Tatum (12), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11), Giannis Antetokounmpo (6), and Stephen Curry (6). The gap between Jokic and the rest is as striking as his performance on the court.

Jokic’s Career Year

At just 29 years old and in his 10th NBA season, Jokic is putting up numbers that even his previous MVP campaigns can’t match. Currently, he’s averaging:

• 37.4 minutes per game
• 29.7 points, 13.1 rebounds, 10.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game
• Shooting splits: 56.8% FG / 53.4% 3PT / 83.3% FT
• 66.5% true shooting percentage

He’s among the league leaders in nearly every major statistical category:

• 3rd in scoring
• 1st in rebounding
• 2nd in assists

Historically, it’s almost impossible to find a player who has ranked in the top three in scoring, rebounding, and assists in the same season. Jokic is redefining versatility at a level the NBA has never seen.

Jokic’s Evolving Game

While Jokic has always been known for his efficiency, his improvement this season has been stunning, particularly in three-point shooting. Last season, he shot 35.9% from deep, a respectable mark for a center. However, this season, he’s shooting an absurd 53.4% on a career-high 4.1 attempts per game. To put this into perspective, his current three-point percentage is more than double his 26.4% mark from the 2023 postseason.

The impact is undeniable. Jokic’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor has made Denver’s offense almost unstoppable when he’s on the court. He’s now averaging 58.3 points created per game (scoring + assists), accounting for nearly 50% of the Nuggets’ 117.8 points per game.

The On/Off Split: Two Different Teams

The Denver Nuggets’ reliance on Jokic is almost comically stark. With Jokic on the court, Denver has an offensive rating of 127.3, better than the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers (122.4). Their net rating with him on the floor is +12.4, easily among the best in the NBA.

Without Jokic, Denver falls off a cliff. The Nuggets’ offensive rating drops to 92.8, worse than the league’s bottom-ranked Washington Wizards (104.4). Their net rating plummets to -16.4, a stark reminder of how integral Jokic is to their success.

Statistically, Jokic’s +28.4 net efficiency rating this season is the best in NBA history, surpassing Kevin Garnett’s +24.1 mark from the 2002-03 season. His +141 total plus/minus leads the Nuggets and ranks 9th in the league, despite Denver’s 10-7 record.

The MVP Race: Jokic vs. History

It’s no wonder Jokic is the runaway favorite for MVP. His performances make triple-doubles—once the gold standard of versatility—feel almost routine. Averaging 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists per game no longer seems extraordinary for Jokic; it’s simply what’s expected. Even a true shooting percentage of 65%-70%, a benchmark of elite efficiency, feels almost underwhelming when applied to him.

Comparing Jokic to his MVP competitors highlights just how far ahead he is:

• Anthony Davis: While dominant on defense, Davis hasn’t matched Jokic’s all-around impact.
• Jayson Tatum: A prolific scorer and solid defender but lacks Jokic’s playmaking.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Electrifying but doesn’t bring the same rebounding or passing.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry: Both are playing at elite levels but don’t control every aspect of the game the way Jokic does.

Obstacles to a Fourth MVP

Despite his incredible start, four potential hurdles could prevent Jokic from claiming his fourth MVP trophy:

1. Team Record: MVP voters often prioritize team success. Denver’s current 10-7 record is solid but not spectacular. They’re just 7th in the Western Conference, trailing the 14-4 Oklahoma City Thunder by 3.5 games. If Denver can’t crack the top four, Jokic’s MVP case could suffer.

2. Injury Concerns: Jokic has already missed three games this season, though these were for the birth of his child rather than injury. Still, his league-high minutes per game (37.4) raise durability concerns. If he suffers a significant injury, his MVP chances could disappear.

3. Voter Fatigue: Winning consecutive MVPs is rare; winning three in four years is even rarer. Jokic must outperform his previous seasons to combat voter fatigue, though he’s already making a strong case.

4. Jokic’s Own Priorities: Last season, Jokic had a chance to secure a third straight MVP but shifted his focus to team success and postseason preparation. If he chooses to prioritize a deep playoff run over regular-season accolades again, it could open the door for another player.

Beyond MVP: Solidifying His Legacy

At this point in his career, Jokic’s eyes are likely set on a bigger prize: championships. While MVPs are prestigious, adding another ring would elevate Jokic’s historical standing far more. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and efficiency has already established him as the best player in the world. A second championship would cement his place among the all-time greats.

The Verdict

It may be early in the season, but Nikola Jokic is playing basketball on a level few have ever reached. Whether or not he wins his fourth MVP, his dominance is undeniable. Watching him turn every game into a clinic in basketball artistry is a privilege fans should savor.

With his unmatched versatility, court vision, and efficiency, the question isn’t just whether Jokic is the best player in the NBA this season—it’s whether we’re witnessing one of the greatest peaks in the sport’s history.