Lowest drafted NBA MVP
Nikola Jokic did not come from the usual NBA background; he was born and raised in Serbia and played in the Serbian League instead of high school or college. Scouts noticed his passing abilities at the time but didn't like his athleticism. Thus, it was not shocking that he was drafted 41st in the 2014 NBA draft. All teams but Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans passed on Nikola at least once; these two teams didn't have a draft pick before the Denver Nuggets picked him.
Jokic came over to the NBA a season later; he would quickly show promise, becoming a starter in the second half of his rookie season and finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting. However, he would lose his starting role after scoring less than double digits in five out of his first eight games in his sophomore season. It would be 18 games later before he would regain the starter spot for good; Jokic would go on to nearly average a double-double for the season.
He kept improving yearly, eventually becoming an all-star and winning the MVP twice. Even while winning the MVPs, he would still have doubters who didn't think he was the best player in the league or deserved the MVP due to his defense or athleticism. In 2023, Jokic proved them all wrong by helping the Nuggets win the championship.
Social Media
My Nikola Jokic scouting report from 2014. No one could have seen him turn into the player he is today. pic.twitter.com/qZIS3Kj2dv
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 25, 2023
[Wind] Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic: "That first Summer League in Vegas, 300 pounds, out of shape, hey, he's a nice player. No one, and if anybody tells you different they're full of shit, no one could have seen that he'd be a two-time MVP passing Wilt Chamberlain every other night."
by u/Kimber80 in nba
Quotes
Perhaps this sounds harsh, but Jokic is being talked up as an NBA prospect and it is hard to see how he gets there unless he can really improve his athleticism. Given how his body looks, that does not seem to be in the offing even if he does hit the weights.
Nate Duncan
To be honest, I didn’t even think I would be in the NBA, My goal when I started to play basketball back home, it was playing in Euroleague because that was kind of the closest top league to my country.
Nikola Jokic
References
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Basketball Reference
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Nuggets star Nikola Jokic named NBA Finals MVP
Jokic is the lowest-drafted player (41st overall in the second round in 2014) to win the Finals MVP, passing Dennis Johnson, who was drafted 29th overall in 1979,
ESPN
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NBA Finals 2023: Tales of Nikola Jokic's journey to a title
The Nuggets discovered that the center with the sweet passes had a sweet tooth. Spoelstra might not have been able to find a flaw in Jokic's game in the NBA Finals, but before Jokic came to the NBA, he had a weakness for Coca-Cola, downing three liters per day in Serbia.
ESPN
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A car ride and a Game 7 loss that activated Nikola Jokic into an MVP
For years, Jokic had been told by coaches, executives and talking heads in the media that he needed to get in better condition if he wanted to succeed in the NBA. But now it was coming from within.
ESPN
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Jones: I was wrong about Nikola Jokić. He’s the best player in the world right now
Nuggets fans have long argued that Jokić is the best player in the world. I countered with him being fifth in my rankings, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
The Athletic
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Nikola Jokic draft scouting reports: How 'average athlete' proved experts wrong and became an NBA superstar
Many scouting reports and projections graded Jokic out as an adequate role or rotational player, possibly even a starter, but certainly not a legitimate superstar.
Sporting News
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How Nikola Jokic became the NBA’s version of Tom Brady
Some are born with greatness, other have to earn it — and Jokic is the ultimate example of putting in every ounce of work to become the best version of yourself. Nobody could have ever seen than coming.
SB Nation
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Nikola Jokic becomes lowest draft pick ever to win MVP award
“The Joker” now has his name etched alongside the greatest players in league history, which surely seemed unlikely when he was that unheralded prospect out of Sombor, Serbia in 2014.
Los Angeles Times
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2014 NBA Draft Grades: Full Team-by-Team Report Cards
Don't forget about Jokic, even if it'll be a few years before you hear his name again.
Bleacher Report
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Nike Hoop Summit World Team Report
Jokic might have been the most skilled big man at the Hoop Summit when you consider his outside shooting, but his complete lack of strength and explosion really limit his NBA future.
Basketball Insiders
