Stephen A. Smith raves about MVP Nikola Jokic on Schlereth and Evans
Mar 18, 2022, 10:02 AM
At least one national analyst is giving Nikola Jokic his due. And it’s maybe the biggest basketball personality in the country.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith joined “Schlereth and Evans” Friday morning on 104.3 The Fan and spoke glowingly about the reigning NBA MVP. Jokic, who might be having a better season for the Nuggets than he did last year, is locked in a tight battle with Joel Embiid of the 76ers for the award this season.
“I often joke that he couldn’t jump onto a curb,” Smith said. “Okay, but this dude is unstoppable. It’s just unbelievable the things that he does. He’s so efficient, he’s shooting 57 percent from the field, he’s averaging 26, 13 and eight. And I watch him on a night in night out basis. And no matter who he’s against, no matter what they throw at him, you know, just his efficiency, as an offensive force in the NBA just makes him so special.”
Even though Jokic and the Nuggets beat Embiid and the 76ers earlier this week, some analysts seem eager to give Embiid the award. Maybe just for a change of pace, but Smith says it’s clear the MVP is still up for grabs.
“I think it’s a close race between him and Joel Embiid, but he’s clearly deserving of being the MVP that he is right now. And he’s clearly deserving of top-notch consideration to win back-to-back MVP awards, I think he’s just sensational player. He’s clearly leading them,” Smith said.
And “The Joker” is doing it without the other two best players on the Nuggets. Jamal Murray has missed the entire season as he rehabs from an ACL injury and Michael Porter Jr. has been out since November after undergoing back surgery.
“I’m a huge, huge Jamal Murray fan. I think this dude is a big game player. He’s shown up on many occasions, and as far as I’m concerned, the brighter the lights, the better he shines. And for him to be out and to not have his services available. And for Denver to be about 14 games over .500, in the 6 seed, battle in the way that they do on a night in night out basis. Everything goes through Jokic. He’s just a phenomenal, phenomenal player. I have to give credit where credit is due. The guy is just special,” Smith said.
Stephen A. went on to praise Jokic for his IQ, uncanny ability to make shots, passing prowess and plenty more. He also thinks the Nuggets can win a championship in the next couple of seasons.
The whole interview is worth your time, so to check it out, click here.
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