Sixers: Joel Embiid’s final spot on 2021 MVP ladder

NBA MVP candidate #1: Nikola Jokic

Run from it, dread it — destiny arrives all the same. This was Nikola Jokic‘s season to win MVP. It may only be the first of multiple MVP seasons. He is that good. He is that impactful. Jokic put together one of the greatest offensive seasons in recent memory, and he’s a much better defender than his detractors would have you believe. He is — with no shred of doubt in my mind — the NBA’s most valuable player of 2021.

The Nuggets were subject to a slew of injuries this season, but Jokic weathered the storm and appeared in every game. He posted season averages of 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals on .566/.388/.868 shooting splits. He finished top five in total points, rebounds, and assists. He operated as the Nuggets’ point guard, post presence, and go-to scorer. He is both an elite closer, as well as the ultimate unselfish superstar. More than any other player on this list, he makes teammates better. He sets them up for success.

Jokic is probably the most singularly gifted passer in the NBA and he’s a 7-footer. He lacks elite-level athleticism. He doesn’t jump much, nor can he do the things Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo can do in space. The simple fact, however, is he doesn’t need to. He can maneuver his way into shots at any level. Tough one-legged fadeaways, check. A dynamic and diverse post game, check. A silky-smooth outside stroke, check. Defenders can out-run Jokic, out-size him, out-length him — it matters not. He can find ways to score, or to help a teammate score.

Denver is the No. 3 seed in the West despite Jamal Murray’s season-ending injury. The Nuggets do not have the deepest supporting cast, nor the best collection of defensive players in the NBA. And yet, they are exceedingly solid on both sides of the ball, and Jokic impacts winning across the board. There is no other answer for No. 1 in the MVP race. The Joker is no joke.