Milwaukee Bucks: Considering Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2019-20 MVP rivals
By Adam McGee
Nikola Jokic
The MVP award tends to act as the ultimate rite of passage for the NBA’s brightest young players, often signaling the transition from stardom to superstardom.
On that front, as Giannis’ win last year was evidence of, there’s often a tendency to take the opportunity to anoint a first-time winner, if such a candidate emerges at the highest level.
In a breakout year for both him and the Denver Nuggets last season, Nikola Jokic came very close to entering into that territory, and ultimately may have just set the table for him to claim the top prize this year.
In a much-changed Western Conference, the Nuggets will hope that continuity can fuel their success, and that their Serbian talisman is ready to push them to new heights by taking something of a leap.
It’s certainly in play, and Jokic’s habit of racking up assists sets up the kind of gaudy stat line that will undoubtedly get the attention of voters near the end of the season.
Therefore, Jokic’s case likely falls on team success. If the Nuggets can finish the regular season at the top of the pack in the West, Jokic will be the man to beat in the MVP race.