Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic was named the 2023-24 NBA Most Valuable Player , the third time he's won the award in four seasons. With Jokic in the middle of his prime, the Serbian center reflected on how much longer he'll continue competing at the highest level and what would take for him to consider retiring.
“I’m not going to take a spot from some young guy or put the franchise down. As long as I can play at the highest level and help the team win, I think that's gonna be my, I’m going to play until then.”
Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists this season, his 10th year in the NBA. He's 29 years old, so he could play for another decade if he wanted to, similar to LeBron James . However, it doesn't look like Jokic is motivated to play at the highest level once his skills wane with age.
He's such a fundamental big that Jokic could extend his career like LeBron. His playmaking talent will make him an asset until he retires and it's not like Jokic's game will be adversely affected as his athletic tools start to disappear with age. He has a soft touch that will stay with him and his basketball IQ is far too incredible for him to not be effective as he goes through his 30s.
Can Nikola Jokic Win A Fourth MVP?
Jokic is the 9th player in NBA history to win three or more MVP awards. He joins Larry Bird , Moses Malone, and Magic Johnson as the four players to have won three MVPs. He trails LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain with their four MVP wins, with Michael Jordan and Bill Russell having won five awards, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar being the all-time leader with six wins.
Voter fatigue alone will ensure Jokic doesn't climb to the level of Jordan or Kareem. We've seen players affected by the same. But can Jokic unquestionably prove he deserves another MVP next season? We don't anticipate a drop-off in Jokic's production, especially if the Nuggets maintain their core regardless of what happens in the 2024 Playoffs.
NBA voters will likely start looking at the next generation of MVP candidates. Jokic's win means that the last six MVP awards have been shared by just three players, including Jokic, Joel Embiid , and Giannis Antetokounmpo . Many wanted to see Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander win the award, but the two finalists were not as favored as Jokic.
With the two finalists from this year hoping to win their first award and other young stars like Anthony Edwards , Jayson Tatum , and Victor Wembanyama in search of the same, it seems Jokic's win this year could usher in a new era from next season onward.
Related: Shaquille O'Neal Disrespected Nikola Jokic To His Face, Said He Didn't Deserve MVP Over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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