Nikola Jokic receiving the highest praise amid unbelievable start to season

The 30-year-old has been putting up video game numbers so far this season, averaging 29.1 points, 12.6 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game while shooting an ultra-efficient 62.8% from the field and 44.0% from beyond the arc. 

His 10 triple-doubles through 18 games put him on a full-season pace for a whopping 46, which would surpass Russell Westbrook (42 in 2016-17) for the single-season triple-double record.

MVP No. 4 would be historic for Nikola Jokic

At this point in his career, Jokic's sole focus is on winning another championship with the Nuggets (13-5). That being said, what he’s doing in the regular season is not normal, and if he keeps it up, he’ll be adding to his trophy case. 

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lakers superstar Luka Doncic and others won’t make it easy, but Jokic's all-around offensive dominance should have him as the front-runner for his fourth league MVP award.

Doing so would put him in quite the company in a tie with LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain and behind only Bill Russell, Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most MVP awards in NBA history.

And let’s remember, he’s still right in the prime of his career and could very well add to the list. The only thing standing in his way would be voter fatigue or any early retirement to race horses in his hometown.

If he does continue to play longer than we expect, more and more of the basketball world is going to be in agreement with Van Gundy and James that Jokic is one of the best to ever do it.

All of that aside, it’s crazy to think how far Jokic has come since being glossed over for a Taco Bell commercial as a second-round pick (41st overall) back in 2014. The Nuggets are certainly thankful that there wasn’t too much hype around the face of their franchise when he was a prospect, because they’re still reaping the rewards of the selection over 10 years later.