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Historic Stat Proves Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Deserves His Fourth NBA MVP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Svyato Rovenchuk | Last updated Dec 12, 2024 11:34 AM ET

Nikola Jokic has been so dominant during his run as the best player in the NBA that basketball fans can almost get numb to his excellence. However, the historic impact of his 2024-25 campaign should not be ignored.

While it is true that the Denver Nuggets are off to a slow start, at only 12-10, it is hard to find fault with Jokic for the team's record. As far as value goes, no one in the league is more valuable to their team than the Serbian superstar.

There are several statistical figures that one can highlight to really drive the point home of just how incredible Jokic has been for the Nuggets this year. However, there is one that may tower above them all in the 2024-25 NBA season.

Jokic is on pace to break an NBA record in box plus/minus. At the time this is being written, the three-time MVP has a historic 13.79 box plus/minus. If that stat were to hold up for the duration of the season, it would be the new gold standard in the category.

The funny part is that the record he would be breaking is his own. Jokic's 2021-22 campaign previously held the highest mark in NBA history at 13.72. That season was good enough to win the Nuggets superstar his second NBA MVP.

Jokic currently ranks first on the NBA.com Kia MVP Ladder. The dominant big man continues to average a triple-double on the season, posting 32.3 points per game, 13.6 rebounds per game, and 10.2 assists per game. He is also shooting a career-high 50.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Voter fatigue can often claim the greatest of superstars. LeBron James and Michael Jordan both fell victim to it during their careers. However, considering the historic accomplishments that Jokic can achieve in the 2024-25 NBA season, there should be no reason to have him be the next victim of such unfortunate circumstances.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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