Chris Broussard ignores Nikola Jokic’s analytical numbers to crown Luka Doncic as favorite to win 2024 NBA MVP

Nikola Jokic or Luka Doncic? Who should win the 2024 NBA MVP? This has been the hottest topic of debate in recent months. While both the Balkans are locked in an epic duel for the prestigious award, many have backed Doncic while others backed the Serbian.

Chris Broussard, who makes his living by providing opinions, has recently provided a take on the ongoing race and made a compelling case for the Mavericks guard’s MVP bid over that of Nikola Jokic.

Analyst makes compelling argument for Doncic’s MVP bid over Nikola Jokic

Talking on Fox Sports’ “First Things First”, sports analyst, Chris Broussard provided his take on the MVP discussion. Emphasizing how the newer generation focuses on analytical numbers, he revealed why he prioritizes the traditional numbers of points, assists and rebounds.

Blaming human nature, Broussard highlighted that Jokic started the MVP race far ahead of the others. This is due to Joel Embiid winning the award last season and, according to Broussard, Jokic will be held back in next season’s MVP race if he wins this year. In support of Doncic, the analyst presented the fact of how Jokic is surrounded by Championship-winning teammates from last season.

Jokic this season is averaging 26.6 compared to Doncic’s 33.9 points per game. While Jokic has the upper hand in rebounds stat with 12.4 against the Mavs guard’s 9.2, Doncic is marginally ahead in assists per game with 9.8 compared to Jokic’s 9.0.

With these stats as his reference points, Broussard also provided his MVP ranking, where Doncic tops the chart, followed by Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

With all the buzz around the MVP talk and the rare criticism of his credentials for the award, this time “Joker” himself has opened up about it and his view is not the most positive one.

Nikola Jokic opens up about MVP race

After another MVP-esque performance against the Timberwolves on Wednesday night, Jokic discussed his view on the current MVP conversation. Echoing reigning MVP Joel Embiid’s sentiments regarding the issue, Jokic said, “I think the whole MVP conversation is getting out of control. I think I’m playing good basketball, the team is playing good basketball… I think a couple guys deserve to have that award.”

Jokic unleashed yet another masterclass against fellow conference hotshots, the Timberwolves. His 41 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists solidified his MVP bid, which also earned support from Nuggets HC Michael Malone.

With only two games remaining in the regular season, the window to make a major shift in the MVP ladder is extremely short, but the next two games can decide if Jokic will pick up his 3rd MVP award in the last 4 seasons or not.