We live in an age when the NBA is loaded with giants who run like gazelles and jump like tigers.
Then there’s Nikola Jokic.
The Nugget’s 6-11, 284-pound center may be the league’s most unathletic player.
He lopes up and down the court and on a good day may be able to jump over a Sunday New York Times. He wasn’t expected to be a super star when drafted in the second round.
So how in the name of Michael Jordan is Jokic the league’s MVP for the second straight season?
Let’s start with the fact the 27-year-old native of Serbia may be the league’s most fundamentally sound player. He can shoot his one-handed push shot from 30 feet. He’s unselfish. He’s become an effective defender. He’s a skilled passer. He’s durable.
He averaged 27 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists this season while having the best efficiency rating in NBA history. That means how well his team does when he’s on the court.
