Jokic's MVP Lock Means You Should Draft Him Even Higher Next Season
The Case for Nikola Jokic (Again)
Look, the MVP race might feel like it's still alive for some folks, but if you've been tracking fantasy value this season, Nikola Jokic wrapped this thing up weeks ago. We're talking about a guy averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. That's a triple-double threat every single night, and his efficiency, shooting 58.3% from the field, is just absurd for a center who handles the ball as much as he does.
From a fantasy perspective, Jokic is a cheat code. He provides elite numbers across points, rebounds, assists, and even throws in 1.4 steals. The only real "weakness" is blocks, where he averages just 0.9. But honestly, who cares? He's single-handedly winning categories for managers. With Jamal Murray missing significant time, Jokic has carried the Nuggets, ensuring their top-three seed in the Western Conference. That narrative plus the raw stats make him a shoe-in.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Sleeper MVP, The Fantasy Darling
Now, let's talk about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He's probably the only other player who even sniffed this MVP conversation, and he's been an absolute fantasy goldmine. SGA is putting up 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and a league-leading 2.0 steals per game. Those steal numbers alone are category killers for your opponents. He's also hitting 53.5% from the field, which is incredible for a guard with his usage.
The Thunder, sitting as the one-seed in the West, are way ahead of schedule. SGA is the engine of that team, and his clutch play has been undeniable. If Jokic wasn't having an all-time statistical season, SGA would be my pick. For fantasy managers, his rise has been phenomenal; he entered the season with an ADP in the second round in most competitive leagues and has returned first-round value, often ranking in the top five overall. His free throw percentage (87.4%) also makes him a dream for category leagues.
Why Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum Fall Short in the Fantasy MVP Talk
Then you have guys like Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum. Both are phenomenal, don't get me wrong. Dončić is averaging a ridiculous 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists. That's pure fantasy dominance in three key categories. But his field goal percentage (48.7%) and free throw percentage (78.5%) can be a bit of a drag. Plus, the Mavs' up-and-down season, despite their recent surge, hurts his real-life MVP case.
Tatum, meanwhile, is the best player on the best team. He's got 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.0 steals. Solid, all-around numbers. But compared to Jokic's nightly triple-double threats or SGA's monster steals, Tatum's fantasy profile, while excellent, isn't quite as unique or dominant. He's a safe bet for top-15 value, but he doesn't have the same league-winning potential in specific categories that Jokic or SGA do.
Real talk: Jokic is going to win MVP. He's been the most impactful player on a contending team, and his fantasy output reflects that real-world dominance. If you're not drafting Jokic as a top-two pick next year, you're doing it wrong.