Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has been awarded the Michael Jordan Trophy as the 2023-24 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player.

This marks Jokić’s third time receiving the Kia NBA MVP award, having previously won it in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

The Serbian nine-year NBA veteran now joins an elite group of players who have won three or more MVPs, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six), Michael Jordan (five), Bill Russell (five), Wilt Chamberlain (four), LeBron James (four), Larry Bird (three), Magic Johnson (three), and Moses Malone (three).

During the 2023-24 regular season, Jokić ranked 10th in the NBA in points, fourth in rebounds, and third in assists per game. He achieved a remarkable feat by becoming only the second player in NBA history to record at least 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, and 700 assists in a single season, joining Oscar Robertson from the 1961-62 season.

Jokić finished second in the NBA in both double-doubles (68) and triple-doubles (25).  He shot 58.3% from the field, the 10th-highest mark in the league.

Behind Jokić, the Nuggets (57-25) matched the franchise high for victories in a season and tied for the best record in the Western Conference.

Denver Nuggets’ standout center Nikola Jokić has etched his name in the annals of NBA history, becoming only the ninth player to clinch three or more Kia MVP Awards. This prestigious accolade cements his status as one of the most exceptional talents the league has ever seen. However, amidst the celebration of Jokić’s remarkable achievement, the reactions from NBA fans were notably unconventional, sparking intrigue and speculation across the basketball community.

Jokić’s journey to MVP greatness has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Serbia, the nine-year NBA veteran has captivated audiences with his unique blend of skill, versatility, and basketball IQ. His ability to dominate games from the center position, orchestrating plays with his precise passing and scoring with finesse, has earned him widespread admiration and respect.

Winning the Kia NBA MVP Award for the third time solidifies Jokić’s place among basketball legends. He joins an elite group of icons including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Moses Malone, each renowned for their unparalleled contributions to the sport.

Despite the significance of Jokić’s achievement, the response from NBA fans was anything but conventional. Rather than the typical jubilation and acclaim that accompany such monumental milestones, there was an air of surprise and intrigue surrounding the reactions. This unexpected response led to speculation and analysis within the basketball community, prompting questions about the underlying factors driving the unusual reception.

Some attributed the atypical reaction to the unprecedented nature of Jokić’s success. As a player who defies traditional positional norms, his dominance as a center has challenged conventional wisdom and reshaped perceptions of what constitutes MVP-worthy performance. This departure from the norm may have contributed to the unexpected nature of the fan response, as observers grappled with reconciling Jokić’s unique style of play with established MVP criteria.

Others pointed to the broader context within which Jokić’s MVP triumph unfolded. The 2023-24 NBA season was marked by a myriad of storylines and narratives, from unexpected team successes to individual breakout performances. Against this backdrop of intrigue and unpredictability, Jokić’s MVP win may have been perceived as just one element in a larger tapestry of captivating basketball narratives, dampening the immediate fervor typically associated with such accolades.

Despite the unconventional nature of the fan reactions, one thing remains clear: Nikola Jokić’s legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time greats is secure. His historic achievement as a three-time Kia MVP winner cements his place among the basketball elite, ensuring that his name will be revered and celebrated for generations to come.