Nikola Jokić is currently injured, and Denver is struggling without him, suffering their fourth loss in seven games. To make matters worse, he will be out for an extended period, with a return to the court not expected until the end of January—by which time he will likely officially lose the MVP award.
Due to the rule requiring a player to appear in at least 65 regular-season games to qualify for the award, Jokić’s statistics will most likely not even be considered, despite possibly playing the best season of his career. This is especially unfortunate as he is set to miss 18 games this season. His coach, David Adelman, took the opportunity to highlight just how senseless this rule is.
“I had a discussion about this with my staff. I understand the 65-game rule, but a player who, for a decade, practically never misses games—it bothers me a little. This isn’t someone who sits out. He never sits out,” Adelman said in front of all of America, calling for a rule change.
As for Jokić’s return to the court, everything is still uncertain. He appears to move without issues, and the injury is not as serious as initially feared, but doctors are cautious to ensure there are no long-term consequences.
“I know he’s eager to return. It’s a process for him… He hasn’t said much about it. He trains every day to see where he is now. I think it’s more important how he feels after practice than how he feels while doing something, because that’s the real indicator. So, only after pushing himself past the limit can you really judge,” Adelman said, noting that Jokić is almost never injured and that the waiting is frustrating for him.
How has Jokić performed this season?
According to betting odds, Jokić is still the top favorite for the MVP award, likely because everyone expects him to return early and continue where he left off before the injury.
Currently, he is averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game.
NBA results – January 10:
Boston – Toronto 125:117
Orlando – Philadelphia 91:103
Washington – New Orleans 107:128
Brooklyn – L.A. Clippers 105:121
Memphis – Oklahoma 116:117
Denver – Atlanta 87:110
Phoenix – New York 112:107
Golden State – Sacramento 137:103
Portland – Houston 111:105
L.A. Lakers – Milwaukee 101:105
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Source: Mondo, Foto: Printscreen X