Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ star center, has once again etched his name in NBA history. Despite a season for the ages, filled with unprecedented statistical achievements, Jokić was named MVP runner-up to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This outcome sparks a fascinating debate: Is Jokić’s 2024-25 campaign the greatest season ever by a player who didn’t win the MVP award? This article dives deep into Jokić’s remarkable performance, comparing it against other legendary seasons that fell short of the coveted Maurice Podoloff Trophy.
The analysis will consider Jokić’s offensive dominance, statistical milestones, and impact on the Nuggets, contrasted with seasons from giants like Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and LeBron James. Exploring various advanced metrics and historical context, we’ll determine if Jokić’s season truly stands above the rest, solidifying his place among the NBA’s all-time greats, even without the MVP title. FYM News will give you a comprehensive review of this historic season.
This deep dive covers:
- The case for and against Jokić’s MVP runner-up season
- Comparison to other legendary non-MVP seasons (Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, etc.)
- Analysis of advanced metrics and their implications
- Ranking of the top 5 non-MVP seasons in NBA history
The Case for Jokić: A Statistical Marvel
Nikola Jokić’s 2024-25 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Averaging a triple-double, a feat achieved only by a select few in NBA history, Jokić showcased his unparalleled versatility. What sets him apart is his efficiency. Consider his true shooting percentage of 66.3%, dwarfing those of Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson during their triple-double seasons. As CBS Sports reports, “Jokić leads Westbrook and Robertson in basically every all-in-one metric.”
Furthermore, Jokić became the first player to finish in the top three in points, rebounds, and assists per game. “He also tied for No. 5 in steals,” as noted by CBS Sports, highlighting his defensive contributions, often an underrated aspect of his game. He demonstrated a blend of scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity, and playmaking wizardry rarely seen in NBA history, especially from a center.
Diving deeper into advanced metrics, Jokić’s season ranks among the best ever:
- 14th-best season in NBA history by Value Over Replacement Player (VORP)
- 13th-best season in NBA history by Win Shares per 48 Minutes
- Fourth-best season in NBA history by Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
- Second-best season in NBA history by Box Plus-Minus (BPM)
These numbers underscore Jokić’s immense value to the Nuggets and his impact on both ends of the floor.
The Case Against Jokić: Defensive Shortcomings and Team Record
Despite his offensive brilliance, Jokić’s season wasn’t without its critics. The primary point of contention revolves around his defense. While advanced metrics paint a relatively favorable picture, the eye test often suggests otherwise. As noted by CBS Sports, “Even the numbers that like him do so less than they usually do.” The Nuggets’ defensive ranking of 21st in the regular season further fuels this argument.
Another factor weighing against Jokić is the Nuggets’ team record. A 50-win season, while respectable, falls short of the standard typically associated with MVP-caliber campaigns. In comparison, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder achieved a higher win total, bolstering his MVP candidacy. As CBS Sports points out, “How much you value winning in the context of individual performance is subjective, but when we’re arguing about where a player falls in any all-time sense, record has to at least be addressed.”
The Contenders: Wilt Chamberlain’s Unthinkable Numbers
When discussing the greatest non-MVP seasons, Wilt Chamberlain’s 1961-62 campaign inevitably enters the conversation. Averaging an astounding 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game, Chamberlain’s numbers are simply mind-boggling. However, it’s essential to consider the context of the era. As CBS Sports explains, “The game was just much, much faster.” Adjusting for pace, Chamberlain’s scoring numbers become less overwhelming, though still remarkable.
What remains truly astonishing is Chamberlain’s endurance. Averaging 48.5 minutes per game, he spent virtually the entire season on the court. This feat underscores his physical dominance and unwavering commitment. While the pace-adjusted numbers may temper the initial shock, Chamberlain’s 1962 season remains a testament to his unparalleled athleticism and scoring ability.
The Contenders: Michael Jordan’s Versatile Brilliance
Selecting a single non-MVP season from Michael Jordan’s illustrious career proves challenging. The 1988-89 season stands out as a prime candidate. Jordan led the league in both points per game and Defensive Box Plus-Minus, a feat unmatched in NBA history. “To this day, Jordan is the only player ever to lead the NBA in both points per game and Defensive Box Plus-Minus,” CBS Sports emphasizes.
Averaging career-highs in rebounds and assists (eight per game), Jordan showcased his versatility, even playing point guard during stretches of the season. With 32.5 points per game, he continued his scoring dominance, while maintaining one of the best defensive ratings. This season highlights Jordan’s ability to impact the game in every facet, making it a strong contender for the greatest non-MVP season ever.
Other Contenders: Harden, Robinson, and More
Several other players deserve consideration in this debate:
- James Harden (2018-19): Averaged 36.1 points per game, leading the league in both 3-pointers and free throws.
- David Robinson (1993-94): Won the scoring title and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
- Chris Paul (2007-08): Led the league in assists and steals, earning First-Team All-Defense honors.
- Larry Bird (1986-87): Averaged at least 28 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1972-73): Dominated advanced metrics but lost the MVP to Dave Cowens.
Each of these seasons showcases exceptional individual performance, though none quite reach the level of Jokić, Chamberlain, or Jordan.
Ranking the Top 5 Non-MVP Seasons
After careful consideration, here’s how I would rank the five best non-MVP seasons in NBA history:
- 1989 Michael Jordan: Unmatched versatility and dominance on both ends of the floor.
- 2025 Nikola Jokić: Revolutionized the center position with his playmaking and scoring ability.
- 1962 Wilt Chamberlain: Unfathomable scoring numbers in a high-paced era.
- 1994 David Robinson: A complete statistical season, excelling in scoring, rebounding, and defense.
- 2019 James Harden: Unstoppable scoring force, leading the league in points and demonstrating incredible efficiency.
Conclusion: Jokić’s Legacy Secured, With or Without the MVP
Nikola Jokić’s 2024-25 season may not have culminated in an MVP award, but it undoubtedly cemented his legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time greats. His unique blend of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding, combined with his record-breaking efficiency, places him in a class of his own. While legends like Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain also boast remarkable non-MVP seasons, Jokić’s impact on the game is undeniable.
Whether or not his season is the greatest ever by an MVP runner-up is a matter of debate, but what is clear is that Jokić has redefined the center position and challenged our preconceived notions about what is possible on a basketball court. His influence will be felt for years to come, inspiring future generations of players to strive for the same level of versatility and excellence.
In the end, Jokić’s 2024-25 season serves as a reminder that individual awards are not the sole measure of greatness. His impact on the Denver Nuggets and the NBA as a whole transcends trophies and accolades. Nikola Jokić is a true basketball icon, and his legacy will continue to grow, regardless of MVP votes.
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