It’s widely assumed that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will win NBA MVP, but he isn’t the most deserving candidate.
That honor belongs to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić.
In 2024-25, Jokić became only the third player ever to average a triple-double with absurd averages of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. The Joker’s efficiency was staggering, with a 33.2 Player Efficiency Rating (PER), the highest in NBA history, and top-three rankings in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
No player controls the game like Jokić, whose court vision and playmaking elevated a Nuggets roster lacking another All-Star. Denver’s offense thrived with him on the floor (plus-11.8 net rating), but collapsed without him (minus-8.6), underscoring his singular value. His 30-20-20 game and 61-point triple-double are feats unmatched in league history, cementing his case.
While Gilgeous-Alexander was unbelievable this year, leading the league with 32.7 points and powering the Thunder to a 68-win season, his case leans heavily on team success. OKC’s deep roster featuring multiple All-Defensive candidates maintained excellent performance in stretches when SGA wasn't on the floor.
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Jokić, however, carried a heavier burden, with Denver’s success hinging on his presence. Advanced metrics like BPM, DRIP, and Net Points favor Jokić, and his head-to-head performances against OKC (including a masterclass in their March rematch) highlight his edge.
Sadly, voter fatigue may doom Jokić. But despite what the media decides, Joker is the true MVP.
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