Nuggets fans are hungry for the national attention and admiration that Nikola Jokic deserves. Jokic has blossomed into one of the best offensive players in the league and has successfully thrown his name into the hat for league’s best center. On Thursday, the league released their three All-NBA teams and as usual, included the voting breakdown. Jokic did in fact receive some recognition for his play, picking up 28 total points in the voting process. But it wasn’t enough to earn a selection to the third team.
Despite putting up a stat line of 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game, ‘the Big Honey’ received just the sixth most votes among the NBA’s many talented centers. Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns were selected for the top three teams respectively, while Rudy Gobert and Al Horford finished with a higher point total.
These selections will undoubtedly draw the ire of some Nuggets fans, a group whose favorite team rarely draws the national gaze. Jokic has been criticized for his defensive deficiencies and athletic limitations, but few big men in the league are capable of doing what he can on the offensive end.
Jokic is still young and he plays in Denver. Given the glut of dynamic young centers in this league, he’ll continue to have his work cut out for him going forward if he hopes to earn a selection. But the 28 points should be taken as sign of what might be to come. Jokic and his teammates have begun to turn heads and earn recognition for their ability. With a strong summer and healthy teammates next season, Nikola might just must crack the ceiling.
