In a move that cements his place among the greatest to ever play the game, Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets has officially been named the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player, the league announced Thursday. This marks Jokić’s fourth MVP award, placing him in an elite class of NBA legends.
The announcement, confirmed by ESPN and other league sources, follows a season of dominance by Jokić, who once again led the Nuggets with staggering averages: 26.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game — narrowly missing another triple-double season.
Jokić’s Continued Reign
Jokić, affectionately nicknamed “The Joker,” has now won back-to-back MVP awards in 2024 and 2025, adding to his previous honors from 2021 and 2022. This historic fourth trophy reaffirms the Serbian superstar’s status as not only the face of the Nuggets franchise but also a pillar of this NBA era.
His impact goes far beyond stats. Known for his unmatched basketball IQ, elite passing from the center position, and cool composure under pressure, Jokić has transformed how the big man role is perceived in modern basketball.
A Tight MVP Race
While Jokić has been the standout, the MVP race was highly competitive. Other top contenders included:
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) – Another monster season on both ends of the court.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) – Emerged as a top-tier star leading OKC to a deep playoff run.
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Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – Led the Eastern Conference with his best all-around performance to date.
But in the end, it was Jokić’s consistency, leadership, and all-around brilliance that earned him the league’s top individual honor.
What’s Next for Jokić and the Nuggets?
With the MVP now official, Jokić turns his attention to the playoffs, where Denver remains a formidable contender to defend their 2023 NBA Championship. Head coach Michael Malone praised his star center in today’s press conference:
“Nikola doesn’t play for awards — he plays to win. But to see him recognized like this, again, it’s special. He’s the most unselfish superstar I’ve ever seen.”
As the postseason heats up, all eyes will be on Denver and their MVP centerpiece, as they chase another ring — and further cement Nikola Jokić’s legacy as one of the all-time greats.