Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic appears set for a magical 2018-19
By James Siegle
MVP! MVP!…or at least first All-Star since Carmelo Anthony?
Saturday in the Mile High, something magical happened. As Jokic stood at the free throw line, an unmistakable chant rang out.
“MVP! MVP! MVP!”
No, this wasn’t directed at Kobe Bryant, coming from a LosAngeles Lakers-heavy Pepsi Center crowd. Nor did this have any trace of bitter sarcasm from playoff-deprived fans. This was a legitimate, hope-filled chant from Nuggets fans, who finally found their superstar.
Jokic probably won’t win MVP this year. There are too many LeBron James, Stephen Currys and Kevin Durants for this to happen. But to be the franchise’s first All-Star since Carmelo Anthony in 2010-11? This could be possible.
It’s a long season. Jokic’s performance should dip slightly from his first three games, but look for continued excellence. Seeing the ease in which Jokic climbed to these early-season numbers should encourage Nuggets fans more than Melo and Chauncey Billups in 2008-09.
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Hopefully, the Mile High faithful will continue those MVP chants. It’s refreshing to see Denver fans appreciative, even if the league has yet to take notice. Meanwhile, if Jokic continues anywhere near this level? He should be a lock for the All-Star game, despite Denver’s lack of attention.