Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic may be the reigning MVP of the NBA, but he's still routinely disrespected around the league.
At least, that's what his teammates feel about him. According to Nuggets teammate Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic always getting the short end of the stick when it comes to calls is unacceptable. Gordon feels that Jokic should get far more calls not because he's a star, but because he actually does get fouled a lot. (via Mike Singer)
Asked Aaron Gordon whether he could sympathize with the way Nikola Jokic is whistled. This is perhaps the biggest defense I've ever heard from a Jokic teammate. pic.twitter.com/XWk4T0tXjv
— Mike Singer (@msinger) January 17, 2022
A big talking point amongst Nuggets fans this season has been the referee's reluctance to call fouls on Nikola Jokic. The Serbian behemoth is averaging a measly 5.1 free throws per game this season. Despite Jokic playing under the rim mostly and drawing contact more often, referees often swallow the whistle when it comes to him.
Despite the perceived biases of the refs against him, Jokic is still having an MVP-level season. His scoring has taken a slight dip from his MVP production last season, but he's still considered as one of the favorites to win the coveted individual prize this season. Without his performance, the Nuggets would likely be nowhere near playoff contention.
Injuries and COVID-19 has hit the Nuggets particularly hard this season. In particular, Jamal Murray continues to miss time due to an ACL injury he suffered last season. Other important players in their rotation have missed some time as well. If this team gets healthy at the right time, they still have the firepower to make it deep in the postseason with Jokic at the helm.
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