For more than a decade now, DNA of Sports has been offering you its Top 5 candidates for the “Most Valuable Player” trophy (MVP)”. This week, in light of the performance of Nikola Jokicwhose rise continues to grow stronger over the matches, let’s focus on those players who have achieved the “three-peat” during their career.
Quietly, the “Joker” once again guides the nuggets in the heights of the West, displaying a level of play close – or even similar – to that which allowed him to win two MVP titles. Latest illustration: this successful mammoth triple-double this weekend (40 points, 27 rebounds and 10 assists!). Unheard of since a certain Wilt Chamberlain in the 1960s…
Inevitably, Nikola Jokic is therefore positioned among the main contenders for the new “Michael Jordan Trophy”, which he received last week to crown his last campaign. On the basis of his best statistics in passes, interceptions and general address, he never ceases to dominate with disconcerting ease, no matter what type of defense stands in front of him.
At this rate, and as long as Jayson Tatum or Giannis Antetokounmpo experience, for example, a slack and/or a physical glitch, the pivot of denver could take the opportunity to eventually interfere at the top of our traditional MVP race. Because, unlike others, the Serb is the robust type and will not miss a lot of meetings (none in 2020/21, then eight in 2021/22)…
Better than Michael Jordan or LeBron James?
In the event of a new coronation, which would thus constitute his third in a row, Nikola Jokic would also accomplish a feat that is simply extremely rare: winning three MVP titles in just three years. A hat-trick that only Bill Russell (1961, 1962, 1963), Wilt Chamberlain (1966, 1967, 1968) and Larry Bird (1984, 1985, 1986) have achieved so far, but a long time ago.
Since the illustrious Celtics winger in the 1980s, therefore, no one has managed to integrate this ultra-closed circle. Not even the Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, LeBron James, Stephen Curry and other Giannis Antetokounmpo, who all had to “settle” for a double. Ditto for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Moses Malone, before “Larry Legend” took power more than three decades ago.
On the other hand, note that they are six to have come close to the “three-peat”, by finishing on the podium of the ballot strong in their status as double defending champion. This is the case of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, crowned in 1971 and 1972 but second in 1973; Magic Johnson, crowned in 1989 and 1990 but second in 1991; Michael Jordan, crowned in 1991 and 1992 but third in 1993; Tim Duncan, crowned in 2002 and 2003 but second in 2004; Steve Nash, crowned in 2005 and 2006 but second in 2007; and finally LeBron James, crowned in 2009 and 2010 then 2012 and 2013, but third in 2011 then second in 2014.
Who knows, maybe Nikola Jokic will become the seventh player on this list or, even better, the fourth player voted MVP three seasons in a row. What is certain is that the franchise player of the Nuggets started on a good basis, both individually and collectively, and that we will once again have to count on him until the end…
Race to the MVP 2023: our Top 5
1 – Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
Assessment: 22 wins, 9 losses – 2nd in the East.
Matches: 29 disputed out of 31 possible.
Statistics: 30.2 pts, 8.2 reb, 4.1 pds, 1.1 int, 0.9 ctr and 2.8 pdb in 37 min.
Percentages: 47% on shots, 36% at 3-pts and 86% on throws.
2 – Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
Assessment: 22 wins, 8 losses – 1st in the East.
Matches: 25 disputed out of 30 possible.
Statistics: 31.0 pts, 11.1 reb, 5.2 pds, 0.8 int, 1.0 ctr and 3.6 pdb in 33 min.
Percentages: 53% on shots, 26% at 3-pts and 64% on throws.
3 – Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
Assessment: 18 wins, 11 losses – 2nd in the West.
Matches: 26 disputed out of 29 possible.
Statistics: 25.2 pts, 10.9 reb, 9.0 pds, 1.5 int, 0.7 ctr and 3.7 pdb in 33 min.
Percentages: 62% shooting, 32% 3-pt and 80% throwing.
4 – Kevin Durant (Nets)
Assessment: 19 wins, 12 losses – 4th in the East.
Matches: 30 disputed out of 31 possible.
Statistics: 30.4 pts, 6.6 reb, 5.3 pds, 0.7 int, 1.6 ctr and 3.6 pdb in 37 min.
Percentages: 57% on shots, 36% at 3-pts and 92% on throws.
5 – Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
Assessment: 15 wins, 16 losses – 10th in the West.
Matches: 28 disputed out of 31 possible.
Statistics: 32.5 pts, 8.3 reb, 8.6 pds, 1.6 int, 0.6 ctr and 3.6 pdb in 36 min.
Percentages: 49% on shots, 35% at 3-pts and 73% on throws.
Mentions : Ja Morant (Grizzlies), Devin Booker (Suns), Zion Williamson (Pelicans), Joel Embiid (Sixers), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Damian Lillard (Blazers)…
