Steve Nash spoke candidly about Nikola Jokic heading into the new season, and what he is hoping to see from him en route to a fourth MVP award.
Nikola Jokic is in the prime of his career, yet he already has a Hall of Fame-worthy resume. The Denver Nuggets superstar has made acquiring accolades a yearly tradition.
Jokic is a multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA player, a three-time MVP, an NBA Champion and Finals MVP, and still feels like he has a lot to give to the game.
Jokic is one of the top contenders to win the 2025-26 NBA MVP award next season, which would mark his sixth straight year contending for the award.
Steve Nash is backing Jokic to win his fourth MVP, thus tying him with LeBron James. But in order to do that, Nash thinks Jokic is going to have to adopt an edge.
Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty ImagesSteve Nash wants to see competitive fire from Nikola Jokic, endorses him for MVP
Steve Nash was a guest on Zach Lowe’s most recent podcast episode. When discussing their picks for MVP next season, Nash named Nikola Jokic, and challenged the Serb to prove a point.
After playing a mostly passive role and dominating the NBA, Nash wants Jokic to be more motivated after missing out on MVP last year. He knows Jokic can be chippy, but wants to see it more often.
“My heart is with Shai, my Canadian brethren… I think it’s Joker. For him not to get it two years in a row, unless something strange happens to him or his team this year…
“Would anyone doubt if he averages another triple-double, his shooting stats are off the chart, passes the ball almost as well as anyone in the game, where do we go from here?
“He’s bigger, he’s stronger, he’s more skilled, he’s more accurate, and he’s got the best vision in the league. How do you not win MVP after not winning it last year?
“I’d love to see him with a chip on his shoulder this year. He’s a super competitor, but also kind of a ‘I just do my thing’ guy.
“I wouldn’t mind if there was a little bit of piss and vinegar in the Joker this year, just for our entertainment… We know it’s in there, especially in a playoff scenario. In the regular season? We’ll see.”
Nikola Jokic finally has a solid squad around him again
After their 2023 NBA championship win, the Denver Nuggets lost some key pieces, and since then, have failed to mount a serious title challenge.
Losing Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and even Russell Westbrook over the years proved to be a massive blow.
Fortunately, the Nuggets brought back Bruce Brown this summer, along with several stars who can make a big impact for them.
Lowe backed Cam Johnson as a Nuggets difference-maker in their fight against the OKC Thunder. With a complete and deep roster around him, Jokic can make both an MVP and a title push this season.