AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets poses for portraits on Sept. 24, 2018.
Jack Dempsey, The Associated PressNikola Jokic poses during Denver Nuggets media day Monday, Sept. 28, 2015.- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDanilo Gallinari (8) of the Denver Nuggets rubs the head of Nikola Jokic (15) after he walks off the court for a timeout during the second half of the Nuggets' 112-93 win. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Toronto Raptors at the Pepsi Center on Monday, Feb. 1, 2015.
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets gathers with teammates before the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Ball Arena on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets defends Patty Mills (8) of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs faced off for game five of their first round NBA playoffs series at the Pepsi Center.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets fouls Julius Randle (30) of the New Orleans Pelicans at the hoop during the second half of the Nuggets' 116-111 win on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Denver Nuggets hosted the New Orleans Pelicans at the Pepsi Center.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets prepares to be introduced against the San Antonio Spurs before the first quarter on Saturday, April 13, 2019. The Denver Nuggets hosted the San Antonio Spurs during game one of the teams' first round NBA playoffs series at the Pepsi Center.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets warms up his hands before the first quarter agains the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, April 18, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs faced off for game three of their first round NBA playoffs series at the At&T Center.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets looks into the Phoenix Suns huddle after Deandre Ayton (22) was fouled and sent to the line during the first quarter at Phoenix Suns Arena on Monday, June 7, 2021. The Phoenix Suns hosted the Denver Nuggets for game one of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
- John Leyba, The Denver PostDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) collide as they go up for the ball during the first quarter Feb. 23, 2016 at Pepsi Center.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets is fouled against the Portland Trail Blazers, which would send him to the line where he would miss one of two free throws with a chance to tie late during the fourth overtime of the Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets coaches teammates Aaron Gordon (50), PJ Dozier (35) and Facundo Campazzo (7) as Lonzo Ball (2) of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the first quarter at Ball Arena on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets gets hyped after a Gary Harris (14) score against the Portland Trail Blazers to really push the momentum in their favor during the second quarter on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game five of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets meets with the media on Monday, May 13, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets of the Denver Nuggets jokes with teammates before the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic (15) and Mason Plumlee (24) warm up before taking the floor against the Portland Trail Blazers before the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets prays with teammates before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with young fans after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 99-95 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court with teammates before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena on Saturday, May 22, 2021.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets drives on LaMarcus Aldridge (12) of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter on Thursday, April 25, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs faced off for game six of their first round NBA playoffs series at the AT&T Center.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets explains a miscommunication to teammate Nikola Jokic (15) as they play the Houston Rockets during the third quarter on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets stands with his All-Star jersey alongside Artras Karniovas (center) and Tim Connelly (left) before the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 90-86 game seven win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, April 27, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs game seven of their first round NBA playoff series.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets jokes with Will Barton (5) as he is introduced, while Paul Millsap (4) waits for his introduction before the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, April 9, 2018.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets stitches in the hallway before taking on the Boston Celtics ahead of the first half on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Boston Celtics at the Pepsi Center.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets works out out with head strength and conditioning coach Felipe Eichenberger before the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) passes the ball to the back court against Philadelphia 76ers forward Jonah Bolden (43) and Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (12) in the second half at the Pepsi Center Jan. 26, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets jacks over Steven Adams (12) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCarmelo Anthony (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers bumps Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets off center during the third quarter at Moda Center on Thursday, June 3, 2021.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets jaws with the referee after disagreeing with a call in favor of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets walks the back hallways of Pepsi Center before the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets prepares before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, May 9, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game six of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets jokingly works the walkie talkie of security manager Mike Fruitmas as teammate Vlatko Cancar (31) plays along before the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets holds twins Ema and Eimantas Pocius before the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets leads his squat onto the court before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Thursday, June 3, 2021.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets argues a possession call as he and teammates play the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets wrangles the ball as Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers hits the floor during the first quarter at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJusuf Nurkic (27) of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Moda Center on Saturday, May 29, 2021.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets and Gary Harris (14) joke as they wait to reenter the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Thursday, May 9, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game six of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets listens to teammate Torrey Craig (3) before the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets hangs his head after turning the ball over against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets receives a hug and a kiss on his cheek from his brother, Strahinja, as brother, Nemanja, places a hand on the star's back after the fourth quarter of the Portland Trail Blazers' series-clinching 100-96 win on Sunday, May 12, 2019. Jokic was the last player to leave the Pepsi Center at just after 5:30 p.m.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets runs the offense from the floor after being knocked to the ground by Jusuf Nurkic (27) of the Portland Trail Blazers as Robert Covington (23), CJ McCollum (3) and Facundo Campazzo enter the mix during the first quarter at Ball Arena on Monday, May 24, 2021.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPortland Trail Blazers fans try to rattle Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets on an inbound pass late in the game during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets holds his face after taking a shot from LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during overtime quarter of Los Angeles' 120-116 win on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets uses a mop to retrieve the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 121-112 win on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostFrom left to right, Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris (11), guard Gary Harris (14) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) have a laugh together on the bench late in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at the Pepsi Center April 03, 2019. Nuggets won 113-85.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets sits on the bench as teammates support the second unit's comeback against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets lets out a primal roar before the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on Monday, April 26, 2021.
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets high fives fans after the fourth quarter of Denver's 127-120 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostHead coach Michael Malone kisses Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets after the fourth quarter of Denver's series-clinching 126-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Thursday, June 3, 2021. The Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 4-2 in their best-of-seven first round NBA Playoffs series.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets walks off the court after the fourth quarter of Denver"u2019s win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena on Monday, May 24, 2021.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
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Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets poses for portraits on Sept. 24, 2018.
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By AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
Text by Mike Singer, Denver Post Nuggets beat writer
As the regular season wound down, Nikola Jokic didn鈥檛 know what to do.
With homecourt advantage secured for the first round, the Nuggets center waffled between preserving his energy for the postseason or playing in every game, if for no other reason than he was healthy.聽Jokic chose the latter, securing a perfect 72-game attendance record and putting a bow on a historic regular season.
On Tuesday, Jokic made more NBA history.
The unorthodox superstar was named league MVP, a league source confirmed to The Denver Post, becoming the lowest draft pick to ever win the award and the first Nuggets player ever to do so. The former record-holders were Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steve Nash, both chosen No. 15 overall. The Nuggets selected Jokic with the No. 41 pick of the 2014 draft.
Jokic, 26, averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists to a 47-25 record and a No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Read more: Nuggets center Nikola Jokic wins historic MVP award
