“Yes, I want to do it of course” – Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic wants to emulate Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA success

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Mario Fernandes

Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic discusses winning a maiden NBA title with Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets’ centre Nikola Jokic has spoken about the possibility of winning an NBA title with his franchise, replicating last year’s Champions Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks won their first NBA title since 1971 after a stellar display from their talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Nikola Jokic plays
Jokic has been in stellar form continuing his MVP form from last season in the regular NBA season

Jokic became the first player to earn the honor as a Denver Nuggets player and the lowest-drafted player to be named MVP last season. Jokić played all 72 games and averaged a career-high 26.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, a career-high 8.4 assists and 1.32 steals in 34.8 minutes per game. He ranked 12th in the NBA in points, ninth in rebounds, sixth in assists and 22nd in steals. He is the third player in NBA history to average at least 26.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists in a season, joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook.

Jokic had kind words for his predecessor after their duel in the regular season. He said: “Of course, I admire him. He’s a great guy. Do I want to do what he did, in Denver? Yes, I want to do it of course. All international players have some kind of connection, I don’t know what it is, probably because we come from other countries. He’s my brother and he has done a lot of good stuff in Milwaukee.” (h/t BasketNews)

The Greek won consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2018-19 and 2019-20, helping him to push harder towards a maiden NBA crown. With a supporting cast of Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and PJ Tucker, the Bucks beat favourites Brooklyn Nets in the Playoffs. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer had to rebuild this season with big names leaving to other franchises. Grayson Allen has been impressive this season and has been touted to be instrumental in the next few months.

The two will be favourites for the MVP award once again, with statistics reaching new heights. While the Nuggets are 6th in the Western Conference, the Bucks are 5th in the East. The season has crossed the 50 game mark, with 32 more games left before the NBA Playoffs.

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