Nikola Jokić may have missed out on capturing his fourth NBA MVP award in 2025, but his status as the “MVP of the Decade” is already solidified. Since entering the league in 2015, Jokić has redefined what it means to be a dominant big man in the modern NBA. His blend of elite passing, scoring efficiency, basketball IQ, and unselfish play has made him not only a perennial MVP candidate but the centerpiece of a championship-caliber team.
From 2020 onward, no player has had a more consistent impact. Jokić won the MVP award three times (2021, 2022, and 2024), joined elite company with his triple-double dominance, and led the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023. He did all this without flashy athleticism or social media hype—just a deep understanding of the game and a unique skill set that has baffled defenses for years. His ability to control the pace, find open teammates with impossible passes, and score from anywhere on the court has set a new standard for centers.
More than just numbers, Jokić’s impact is cultural. He’s made team-first basketball cool again in an era driven by iso ball and highlight reels. His influence stretches beyond Denver, inspiring a new generation of big men to value versatility and vision as much as power and athleticism.
While other stars may collect MVP trophies in single seasons, Jokić’s decade-long excellence sets him apart. He hasn’t just been the best player in spurts—he’s been the most valuable, the most consistent, and arguably the most transformative figure in basketball over the last 10 years. That’s why, even without a fourth MVP this season, Nikola Jokić already wears the crown as the true MVP of the decade.
