‘Not like American players’ – $312m Nikola Jokic’s record breaking numbers show he can go on ‘as long as he wants’

There’s no question who the best basketball player in the world is.

That distinction and title belong to Nikola Jokic.

Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are the fourth seed in the Western ConferenceCredit: GettyThe big man from Serbia finished the regular season averaging a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

He is the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double, and only the third player ever to do so, joining teammate Russell Westbrook and Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson.

It was an historic season that, in any other year, would surely have ended with him winning his fourth regular season MVP award.

Unfortunately for Jokic, there is such a thing as voter fatigue, whether the voters will admit it or not, and because Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had one of the best guard seasons of all time, SGA is the betting favorite to win the award.

READ MORE BASKETBALLBut the best player is still, without question, Denver’s Jokic.

This led to a discussion on Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson’s podcast, Nightcap, on how long the Serbian native could keep this up.

“I got a question,” Johnson asked.

“As dominant as he is, right? Being that his game isn’t based on explosion and being quick and playing above the rim, how long can he keep this up?”

“As long as he wants to,” Sharpe answered.

“It’s been reported that he is about to sign a three-year, $212million extension in the offseason, which is the supermax.

Sharpe (left) and Johnson (right) dove into the topic of Jokic’s dominance and how long he could realistically keep up this level of elite playCredit: X/@NIGHTCAPSHOW_

Jokic is coming off one of the best offensive regular seasons in the history of the leagueCredit: Getty”It’s the most a guy can sign for, which is that $70million per year extension, which is what Luka was going to be entitled to this offseason.

“So because of the game, it is not a lot of pounding. It is not a lot of up and down.

“He can play another eight years, as long as his mind stays sharp.

“But you have to realize those types of players are not like American players. It’s not the end-all be-all for them.

“You hear them talking. He wants to get back to his horses. He wants to get back to his native land. He wants to be with his family. That’s what he wants to do.

“I’m not saying he doesn’t take the game serious. You don’t become this good, I don’t care how talented you are, become this dominant without taking the game serious, without putting the work in.”

Jokic and the Nuggets earned the fourth seed in the Western Conference, matching up against the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers.

They fired head coach Michael Malone a week before the playoffs, so it is up to Jokic to carry this team if they want to make a deep run.

While his immediate future is uncertain in terms of what he and the Nuggets will do regarding a contract extension and the potential of taking home over $300m, the time is now to once again remind the world that there is only one name that belongs next to the title of best player in the world.

Nikola Jokic.

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With the NBA hurtling towards playoff season next month, there’s plenty riding on the remaining games.

Reigning champions the Boston Celtics are chasing back-to-back titles, and will be the first team to do this since 2018 if they’re successful.

Meanwhile, LeBron James and Luka Dončić’s Lakers are looking to win LA’s first championship since 2020.

To watch the rest of this NBA season, sign up for an NBA League pass using the links below. NBA League pass allows subscribers to watch games live and on demand.

Buy NBA League Pass – £79.99 for the season, £16.99 a monthBuy NBA League Pass Premium – £104.99 for the season, £29.99 a monthFor more information read our article on how to watch the NBA.