When Nikola Jokic recorded the best numbers of his career, whether in scoring, assists or steals, while also averaging a triple-double across the entire 2024-25 season, many expected him to lift his fourth MVP award. However, that honor went to scoring leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, mainly because his Oklahoma City Thunder logged the best record (62-20) in the league.
Interestingly, this underlined the reality that team success has become an essential factor in determining who the most valuable player really is. That is why NBA analyst Tim Legler is at ease, knowing that the Denver Nuggets have made all the required moves to put Jokic in the best position to still chase that silverware, as well as the grand prize, at least in the 2025-26 season.
Legler on Jokic’s MVP window
While Denver had a solid group of role players, it was evident that they needed reinforcements who could bring grit, a two-way presence and relieve Jokic of constant pressure. In response, the Nuggets made notable moves: acquiring Cam Johnson after he registered his career high of 18.8 points for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2024-25 season.
The team also brought Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., both of whom can knock down clutch shots and even guard the opposition’s best perimeter scorer. To further strengthen their roster, they also traded for Jonas Valanciunas as a traditional big man, who can eventually allow Jokic to operate with more freedom in the paint and take a well-earned breather without fear of endangering the scoreboard.
According to Legler, if these additions mesh well, the Nuggets have the potential to seriously challenge the Thunder for the top seed in the West, especially given how they were already able to force them to a Game 7 in their second-round series last season with their former roster.
“He had one of the greatest years statistically in the history of the league I then lost to a well-deserving guy. But I don’t think Jokic’s window is closed for MVPs. We didn’t view Denver as a legitimate contender, and I think that has changed. I think their off-season has made a lot of people believe that they might be, when it’s all said and done, maybe they’re the second team in the West,” the renowned analyst said.
“They took OKC to seven games, maybe they’re a legitimate challenger to beat the defending champions this year. If that’s the case and he puts up the same numbers, he absolutely still is in the mix,” he added.
The Nuggets’ success will determine if Jokic wins MVP
What makes the upcoming MVP race particularly compelling is that it is very likely to be as narrowly contested as it was in 2025 between Jokic and SGA.
For instance, Luka Doncic has been surrounded by the right pieces to focus on maximizing his offensive brilliance, giving him the chance to break into the conversation with the Lakers. Likewise, Giannis Antetokounmpo, no longer sharing the floor with a superstar partner, will have the ball in his hands more often. Thus, should the Milwaukee Bucks enjoy a strong season, Giannis could once again become a leading MVP contender.
Nevertheless, it is a great sight to see the Nuggets finally going above and beyond to get all the help required by The Joker to add more accolades during his prime and consequently putting themselves in a prime position to go for that Larry O’Brien trophy once again.
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