Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is likely about to become a two-time MVP. Even so, there are still many who don't fully appreciate what he brings to the table. This MVP race, and specifically his battle against Joel Embiid, has brought out a lot of nastiness from people looking to disparage him in order to prop up Embiid or other candidates. When the Nuggets were on the verge of getting swept by the Golden State Warriors, the criticism only grew louder, even though it wasn't warranted.

Jokic put forth a heroic effort to nearly force a Game 6 against the Warriors, only to fall just short. After the first-round series loss, the Nuggets star was asked about this disrespect. He gave a long answer about how he can't control what people say and how he respects every player in the NBA because of what it took to get there. He finished up with a savage four-word statement when specifically asked if any of the lack of respect bothers him:

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Jokic has been consistent about this for a long time. This stuff truly doesn't seem to bother him, and he also said it wouldn't bother him all that much if he were to somehow not win MVP. There are worse fates than losing out on a second MVP … like dying. Yes, he said that!

When it comes to this playoff series against the Warriors, Jokic shouldn't be slandered for losing in five games. He had a few rough moments early on in the series when the Nuggets went down 3-0, but he was still putting up big numbers while playing with an outgunned roster thanks to their key injuries. He then did all he could to get this series to a Game 6, putting up 30 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists in the tight Game 5 loss, all while playing through a hamstring injury.

For the series, Jokic averaged 31.0 points, 13.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 57.5% from the field. He admittedly didn't shoot well from 3-land (27.8%) and had some turnover issues (4.8 per game), but that will happen when going up against an elite defense and an all-time great defender in Draymond Green, who has nothing but admiration for the big man.

Jokic is certainly bummed to be out of the playoffs already, but there's no shame in his performance and he's deserving of a second straight MVP.