NBA History: Assessing Nikola Jokic's MVP Near Misses And Elite Company

3 min read Post on May 22, 2025

NBA History: Assessing Nikola Jokic's MVP Near Misses and Elite Company

Nikola Jokic. The name itself evokes images of effortless brilliance, of pinpoint passes slicing through defenses, and of impossibly smooth fadeaway jumpers. While the two-time NBA MVP has cemented his place among the league's elite, his near misses in the race for the award highlight the incredible competition and showcase the rarified air he breathes. This article delves into Jokic's MVP near misses, placing them within the context of NBA history and exploring the elite company he keeps.

The 2020-2021 Season: A Statistical Masterclass, Yet No MVP Trophy

The 2020-2021 season saw Jokic deliver a statistical masterpiece. He averaged a near triple-double (26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists), showcasing a dominance rarely seen in the modern NBA. His advanced stats were equally impressive, leading the league in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and posting eye-popping Win Shares. Yet, the MVP trophy went to Joel Embiid. While Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers boasted a superior regular season record, Jokic's individual performance ignited a debate that continues to this day amongst NBA analysts and fans. Many argue that Jokic's statistical dominance should have been enough to secure the award.

Key takeaway: Jokic’s near miss highlighted the importance of team success in MVP voting, even in the face of overwhelming individual achievement.

The 2021-2022 Season: Back-to-Back MVP Domination, But What Could Have Been?

The following season, Jokic silenced his doubters, securing his first MVP award with another breathtaking campaign. However, even with his historically dominant performance in 2021-2022, a strong case could be made that he was even better in 2020-2021. Had he won both years, he would have joined an extremely exclusive club of back-to-back MVPs. The near miss only serves to amplify the incredible consistency and skill he displayed.

Key takeaway: Jokic's consistent elite level of play makes his near misses all the more impressive, highlighting the intense competition at the top of the NBA.

Jokic's Elite Company: Among the Near Misses

Jokic's near misses place him in the company of other legendary players who narrowly missed out on MVP honors. Think of Karl Malone, a two-time MVP runner-up, or Charles Barkley, another perennial contender who never quite reached the summit. These players, like Jokic, were dominant forces in their eras, but the MVP award often reflects a confluence of individual performance and team success.

Key takeaway: The fact that Jokic is even considered amongst these legendary players solidifies his position as one of the NBA's greats.

The Future of Jokic's MVP Race

As Jokic continues his prime, the possibility of future MVP awards remains very much alive. His statistical dominance, combined with the ever-evolving narrative of the Denver Nuggets, suggests that more MVP trophies might be in his future. The question remains not if he'll win more, but how many. His near misses, rather than diminishing his legacy, only add another layer to the compelling story of one of the most unique and talented players in NBA history.

Conclusion: A Legacy Forged in Excellence

Nikola Jokic's MVP near misses are not failures, but rather testament to the intense competition and high standards of the NBA. His consistently elite performance solidifies his place among the league’s all-time greats, showcasing a level of skill and dominance that inspires awe and respect. His story is far from over, and future seasons promise more thrilling chapters in the ongoing saga of this modern-day basketball icon.