Report: Nikola Jokic wins 2020-21 NBA MVP

Nikola Jokic is your 2020-21 NBA Most Valuable Player.

The Denver Nuggets center beat out 76ers big man Joel Embiid and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry to win his first MVP award, per Shams Charania, after a dominating season offensively. Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 8.3 assists and 10.8 rebounds in 72 games, shooting 56.6 percent from the floor and 38.8 percent from deep. He also led the team in offensive and defensive win shares, PER, assist percentage, rebound percentage and value over a replacement player.

Jokic has been an excellent find for Denver after being taken in the second round with the 41st pick. He increased his production over the first three seasons before breaking out in 2018-19, coinciding with the Nuggets returning to the postseason. Ahead of the 2018-19 season, Jokic had signed a five-year, $148 million extension with the Nuggets to ensure he will be the centerpiece of contending teams in Denver.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Jokic was the overwhelming favorite to win MVP at -10000. It’s also worth noting Jokic was selected in the second round back in 2014 during a Taco Bell commercial, likely why he rose to prominence in the NBA.