This season's race for the MVP has been one of the most contested in recent history. But when everything is said and done, it's Nikola Jokic who stood tall over Joel Embiid and all the other contenders for the said award. Rightfully so because the Denver Nuggets' All-Star center has been playing like a transcendental talent all year long while carrying his team to the playoffs without the team's other top guys – Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
And as Jokic wins his second MVP award, it only stands to reason that his NBA cards will rise up in the process. We take a look below at how the Nuggets' franchise player has performed in his second MVP season and how his stock in the card market has benefitted from it.
Nikola Jokic's second MVP campaign
If this was a few years ago, many would be shocked that a player like Nikola Jokic would have the chance to win back-to-back MVP awards. But ever since what the Joker achieved last season, it can't be considered a surprise anymore.
Nikola Jokic in his two MVP seasons:
26.4 PPG 27.1 PPG
10.8 RPG 13.8 RPG
8.3 APG 7.9 APG
1.3 SPG 1.5 SPG
64.7 TS 66.1 TSBoth MVPs were deserved, y’all hating for no reason pic.twitter.com/AtGdO5mAVK
— ♰ (@LuvvBandemic) May 9, 2022
Over the course of 72 games during his first MVP campaign, Jokic would go on to post 26.4 points by efficiently connecting 56% from the field, 38% from beyond the arc, and 86% from the free throw line. The Serbian center would also make 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 34.6 minutes per game during the 2020-21 season.
His video game-like numbers during that year resulted in Jokic's first MVP award. But while everyone thought that was his peak, the Joker's follow-up performance this year proved to everyone he was no fluke.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been voted the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive season, sources tell ESPN. A formal announcement is expected this week.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 9, 2022
This year, Jokic has improved his game big time, especially with the Nuggets missing Murray and Porter. Throughout 74 games, the Joker has shown why he's the number one option in Denver, thanks to his impressive performance on both ends of the court. This season alone, the two-time MVP scored 27.1 points on efficient 58/33/81 shooting splits while making 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He also led the league with a 9.2 offensive box score, 4.5 defensive box score, and an overall box plus/minus rating of 13.7. With these numbers alone, one can see that Jokic's impact on both ends of the floor has been crucial for the Nuggets.
Although Jokic's win last season was justified, the race this year came pretty close with Joel Embiid coming in second. The Philadelphia 76ers' All-Star posted more points per game by scoring 30.6 on 50% shooting from the field, 37% from beyond the arc, and 81% from the foul line. Plus, the Process added 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks in the 68 games he played this season.
But no matter how great Embiid's 2021-22 season was, the numbers have spoken and they're apparently the reason Jokic got the most votes for this year's regular season MVP. By elevating the Nuggets' offense and defense on a nightly basis, the Joker. This, in turn, would play a role in raising up his stock in the card market right now.
The state of Nikola Jokic rookie cards
As compared to LeBron James, Luka Doncic, or Ja Morant's stocks, Nikola Jokic cards aren't a top-tier draw in the hobby. Nevertheless, they remain a solid option for collectors, thanks to the All-Star's impressive performance these past two seasons.
In a three-month graph by Card Ladder, Jokic's PSA 10 2015 Prizm Silver rookie card started at $2,800 as February ended. That value settled at $2,431 right before April before shooting straight up to $4,000. This sharp increase reflects Jokic's season, which led many to expect his second MVP award. Turns out, he did win the said accolade just this week.
The verdict on Nikola Jokic cards
Without a doubt, the Joker is among the best players in the NBA today with a pretty strong chance to make the Hall of Fame in the future. And for a big man, what he does on the court deserves more love from fans, and ultimately from the hobby itself.
That's why it only makes sense to invest more in Nikola Jokic cards that came out during his rookie year, those with short print runs, and on-card autos that can't be easily found anywhere. By going with these options, collectors can ensure that the money they spent on the Joker will be preserved in the coming years, especially when he exits his prime, retires, and gets inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Of course, it would be great for him to win the Finals for the benefit of his NBA cards but that's one factor that can't be projected in the market. In any case, those who want to diversify their collection would do well with those rare Nikola Jokic cards in the market.
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