Nikola Jokić has been nothing short of dominant in the 2024-25 NBA season, once again leading the Denver Nuggets to the top of the Western Conference standings. His all-around brilliance—elite scoring efficiency, playmaking, and defensive improvements—has put him in the MVP conversation for the fourth time in five years. However, a familiar discussion has resurfaced: Is voter fatigue impacting his MVP case?
The Case for Jokić as MVP
Statistically, Jokić remains a unicorn in today’s NBA. As of this season, he’s averaging near-triple-double numbers with around 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, all while maintaining elite shooting splits. His ability to control the pace of the game, dictate offensive schemes, and elevate his teammates makes him arguably the most impactful player in the league.
Beyond the box score, his advanced analytics continue to be off the charts. Metrics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Box Plus-Minus (BPM), and Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) consistently place him at or near the top of the NBA leaderboard. His on-off numbers also reveal just how much he means to the Nuggets—when he’s on the court, Denver functions like a championship-level team; when he’s off, they struggle significantly.
Additionally, the Nuggets’ team success adds weight to his MVP candidacy. Unlike past seasons where voter narratives often favored players with higher team win totals, Jokić now has that argument in his favor as Denver remains in contention for the best record in the league.
The Voter Fatigue Factor
Despite his dominance, the conversation around MVP voting is never purely statistical. Narratives, storylines, and media-driven momentum play a significant role in shaping the award race. Jokić won back-to-back MVPs in 2021 and 2022, then finished second in 2023 to Joel Embiid, partly due to voter fatigue. Some media members openly admitted they didn’t want to give him three straight MVPs, even though his numbers justified it.
The same trend could be affecting him in 2025. The MVP award often leans toward “fresh” winners—players who have yet to receive the honor or who are making a compelling push after a long gap. Voters may subconsciously lean toward someone like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, or Jayson Tatum to avoid repeating a familiar storyline.
A prime example of this was seen with Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who arguably deserved more MVPs but were denied due to voter fatigue and shifting narratives. Similarly, Giannis Antetokounmpo won two straight MVPs (2019, 2020) but was overlooked in subsequent years despite posting comparable stats. Voter fatigue is real, and Jokić could be facing the same challenge.
The Perception of Playoff Performance
Another factor working against Jokić is the way voters view MVPs through a postseason lens—even though the award is strictly a regular-season honor. After his first two MVPs, skeptics questioned whether his individual dominance translated to championship success. That perception changed in 2023 when he led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA title, proving that he could dominate in the playoffs just as he did in the regular season.
However, now that he has solidified his legacy with a championship, some voters may feel less urgency to reward him again. There’s a possibility that some believe his greatness is now expected rather than celebrated—an unfair but common reality for repeat MVP candidates.
Could a Late-Season Push Overcome Fatigue?
Despite the narrative battle, Jokić still has a legitimate shot at winning his third MVP. If he continues producing at an elite level while leading Denver to the best record in the NBA, it will become increasingly difficult for voters to justify picking someone else. The key factors in his favor will be:
- Continued statistical dominance
- Denver securing the No. 1 seed
- Lack of a clear-cut alternative candidate
If Jokić maintains his current trajectory and other contenders falter or miss time due to injury, he could emerge as the undeniable MVP. However, if the race remains close, voter fatigue may ultimately cost him another trophy.
Conclusion
Jokić’s MVP case is as strong as ever, but history suggests voter fatigue is real and could impact the outcome. While his numbers and team success make him a deserving candidate, the desire for fresh narratives in MVP voting might work against him. Whether he secures the award will depend not just on his play but also on how much voters are willing to overlook the “been there, done that” factor.
One thing is certain: Whether or not Jokić wins the MVP, his status as one of the most dominant and unique players in NBA history remains undisputed.
