Is it possible a multi-time league Most Valuable Player award winner could be the most underrated player in the NBA? That might just be the case for Nikola Jokic, whom NBA players did not vote for as the player they would want to build their franchise around.
While there are many potential options, there's arguably no one on the planet who's better than Nikola Jokic, who's the favorite to win MVP this season. It would be Jokic's third Most Valuable Player award, a feat few players have accomplished. Jokic's ascension has been a remarkable one.
The former second-round pick was never expected to be the walking triple-double merchant he has evolved into. However, his basketball intellect and versatility combine to make him arguably the most dangerous, nearly impossible player to defend in today's NBA. Additionally, Jokic's game not only translates to today's game featuring high-powered, fast-paced offenses, but his game would translate to every NBA team.
Is Nikola Jokic the NBA's most underrated player?
Jokic has quickly emerged onto the scene as one of the best players in the NBA today, if not the very best one. Sure. There are more appealing, marketable names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, Joel Embiid, and many more to choose from. However, Jokic is the only player who could have a 'LeBron-like' impact on any team.
That impact means taking any team from mediocrity and NBA lottery appearances to an NBA playoff contender. Nikola Jokic is going to retire one day as possibly the best center to ever play the game of basketball. When he retires, he will not only have his jersey retired by the Nuggets, but he will be a surefire first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. Jokic deserves his flowers as the NBA's best from the entire NBA world.
While the media validates Jokic and his abilities, not every fanbase is on board with Jokic as a player. Clearly, the players aren't either, which will only serve as more fuel to the fire for the Serbian big man.