Nikola Jokic Is The Best Player In The World, And It Isn't Close.
Are 3 MVPs Not Enough?
Nikola Jokic, a player who has redefined the game, has been a dominant force in the NBA since 2020, securing three Most Valuable Player awards. His Denver Nuggets, guided by his unique style of play, triumphed and won the NBA championship last year.
With his recent personal and team success, his overall creativity that has birthed a new style of play, and winning three MVPs in just four years, can anyone argue against Nikola Jokic being the best player in the world?
The answer is: No. Not only is it a "No," but it is also a resounding one now, not even a conversation with anyone else. While a few others might be in the conversation for the best player in the world, they should not be. Let's compare Nikola Jokic to the other leading contenders and see if there is an argument.
Nikola Jokic Vs. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic has gotten a lot of press lately as possibly arguing for being the best player in the world. But while Doncic might pop out a bit more stats-wise, Jokic should still be far and away seen as the better player.
Doncic averaged just under 34 points per game, beating out Jokic's 26. Jokic responds by averaging 12 rebounds to Doncic's nine rebounds per game. Between assists, Doncic averaged just about an assist more per game than what Jokic averaged.
Based on the stats and the box scores, it looks like Doncic. However, when we factor in efficiency and team success, it is clear why Jokic is much better. Outside of three-point percentage, Jokic shoots a higher percentage from everywhere on the court. This includes effective field goal percentage, which measures all field goals based on their value in points.
Jokic also had a much higher BPM and VORP. While those sound like random letters, they measure how much a player contributes in quality and how much better your team is with you on the court. Jokic leads Doncic by a considerable margin in both, and when we factor in the better team records and a championship last year, this debate is over.
Nikola Jokic Vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Isn't it funny how the top three players are all European now? Regardless, Jokic has beaten the Greek Freak for the title of best in the world. Based on just the boxscores, it goes Jokic's way.
While Giannis averaged 30 points to Jokic's 26, Jokic averaged a rebound and two and a half more assists per game. The difference between blocks and steals is equal, so we can disregard the defensive stats. But when we again get to efficiency and shooting percentage, this is where Jokic retakes the cake.
While Giannis did have a higher field goal percentage due to his tendency to shoot closer to the rim, Jokic shoots nearly ten percent better from three and 25 percent better from the free-throw line. Giannis does have a higher effective field goal percentage when factoring in the worth of each shot for how accurate it is, but in the same way, Jokic is better than Doncic. Jokic beats Giannis out with his BPM and VORP.
They show just how quality Jokic is compared to Giannis and how much more important he is to the Nuggets than Giannis is to the Bucks. Giannis is a great player, but with a better record in a more brutal conference, Jokic is a better player.
This Case Is Closed.
Jokic is by far and away the best player in the NBA and the world. The days of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry fighting for the title are over, and Nikola Jokic has taken over the throne. The only other players still in the conversation are Giannis and Luka Doncic. Do not dare bring up Joel Embiid in this conversation. Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world, and the stats and accolades back it up.
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