Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic did not win the ESPY for best NBA player on Thursday night.
The annual ESPN awards show, broadcast live on ABC, saw Jokic snubbed before the festivities began, with the honor going to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic instead.
Though Doncic is undoubtedly a great player, Jokic is coming off his third NBA MVP in four years, which seemingly wasn’t enough to secure the ESPY.
When the ESPYS began in 1993, only fans voted for the awards. Since 2004, sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives, and ESPN personalities also participate in the voting. Between these groups, Doncic was deemed superior to Jokic this year.
The awards ceremony occurs in July, and the NBA playoffs could have influenced the outcome. Jokic and the Nuggets were eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Doncic and the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals, losing to the Celtics in five games. MVP is a regular-season award.
Despite the Nuggets’ postseason exit, Jokic performed exceptionally, averaging 28.7 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in Denver’s 12 playoff games. The Nuggets squandered a 20-point lead at home in Game 7 of the second round against Minnesota.
While MVPs carry more significance than ESPYS, this snub is a reminder that Nikola Jokic is still seeking respect among fans.
We recognize him as the best player on Earth; the rest of the world just needs to catch up.
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