Following his third MVP award in four years, Nikola Jokić begins the 2024-25 NBA season as the Elite player in the league. In a recent survey conducted by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, 18 coaches, scouts, and executives voted Nikola Jokić as the top player, with 15 out of 18 votes.
Jokić’s Unstoppable Dominance
Jokić’s remarkable control still impresses all. In the last four seasons, his performance has been truly exceptional. He has consistently placed no lower than second in the MVP voting, and his stats for the 2023-24 season showcase his versatility. Jokić is the sole player in the league to maintain an average of 25.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game.
Luka Dončić: Right Behind Jokić
Luka Dončić is close to and the Elite player Nikola Jokić in the rankings, having received two first-place votes in the survey. During the 2023-24 season, Dončić had an outstanding performance, almost achieving a triple-double by scoring 33.9 points, dishing out 9.8 assists, and grabbing 9.2 rebounds per game. His three-point shooting also achieved a personal record of 38.2 percent. Dončić’s outstanding performances in the playoffs, guiding Dallas to the NBA Finals, cemented his status as one of the top players in the NBA.
Anthony Edwards: The Surprise Vote
Anthony Edwards’ impact on the Timberwolves is evident, even though some were surprised by him getting a first-place vote. At only 23 years old, Edwards has turned Minnesota into a contender in the Western Conference, reaching the finals. The team saw an increase from 19 wins prior to selecting him to 56 wins in the most recent season. Edwards’ self-assurance is clear, and his determination to become the top player in the league is captivating to see.
As we near the 2024-25 season, the focus will be on these up-and-coming talents to determine who will stand out the most.
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