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Toronto Raptors: Where does Kawhi Leonard rank in the M.V.P race?

By Thomas Valentine

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem on December 14, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem on December 14, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Nikola Jokic

49 games played/20.4 PPG/10.4 RPG/7.7 APG/59.4 TS%

Led by the incomparable Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets are one of the feel-good stories of the year. As such, they currently occupy the one seed in the Western Conference at 37-15, tied with Golden State and three and a half games ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jokic has by far been the key to the success of Denver, he’s ranked third in Real Plus-Minus and has even stabilized his previous turnstile defense, despite never really showing much lateral quickness. Jokic is on pace to average just over a steal a game this season, so his activity on the defensive end is clearly there, despite not being a shot-blocking seven-footer like many of his contemporaries. It’s easy to point out where his obvious strength lies, but let’s do it anyway.

One is allowed to feel pretty comfortable admitting that Jokic is one of the best passing big men of all time. He could well end up being the best, he’s probably alongside Bill Walton, Arvydas Sabonis, and Kevin Garnett on the Mount Rushmore of passing big men for sure. That’s not a comparison, you sticklers.

Jokic is averaging 7.7 assists per game this season, good for seventh in the league. The only center to come close for assists per game is Marc Gasol, who is averaging just over four per game. The offense flows so comfortably through Jokic, whose ability to run the offense in half-court sets is up there with the elite point guards of the league. He’s averaging more assists than LeBron James, let it sink in.

Just as well as he can pass, Jokic can score. He’s averaging 66-percent shooting in the restricted area and while his three-point percentage has dropped, he’s still a threat to knock down a triple here and there. His 20.4 points per game lead the team, as does his rebounds, assists and steals averages.

His evolution as one of the next superstars of the game lines up perfectly with the Nuggets success this season, not to reward him with consideration for the top individual award would be futile. Jokic deserves to be in the conversation.

Probability of winning: A fun outside bet, but an outside bet nonetheless.

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