• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Nikola Jokic’s Back-to-Back MVPs Will Earn Record Extension

  • Jokic joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Moses Malone as the only centers with multiple MVPs.
  • This summer, he’s poised to sign a record-breaking extension worth $254 million over five years.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

When the Denver Nuggets picked Nikola Jokic at No. 41 in 2014, ESPN aired a Taco Bell commercial instead of covering the Serbian’s selection.

Eight years later, things have changed. Jokic will reportedly win MVP for a second straight season and is poised to sign a five-year, $254 million extension with the Nuggets — which would be the largest contract in NBA history

Joker’s individual accolades haven’t yet translated into the postseason, but he’s revolutionized the game for big men

  • He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Moses Malone as the only centers with multiple MVPs.
  • Jokic became the first player in NBA history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a season.
  • He’s just the 15th player to win MVP in consecutive seasons.
  • He’s the sixth international player to win the award — he and Giannis Antetokounmpo have won the last four.

The 27-year-old carried the Nuggets into the playoffs as the 6-seed, despite playing without co-stars — and big investments — Jamal Murray (5 YRs, $158.3M) and Michael Porter Jr. (5 YRs, $207M)

Denver’s injuries notwithstanding, critics still knock Jokic for only once advancing past the second round — but as the lowest-drafted MVP ever, he’s still arguably the best draft pick in NBA history.

He’ll need his supporting cast for a deeper playoff run next year, but Jokic has a chance to make even more history by joining Bill Russell (1961-63) and Larry Bird (1984-86) as the only players to win three consecutive MVPs.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
LeBron James

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers. 
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.

Featured Today

Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.
Cheryl Reeve
September 21, 2025

How Cheryl Reeve Turned the Lynx Into the WNBA Gold Standard

Reeve has Minnesota six wins away from an unprecedented fifth WNBA title.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome.
September 29, 2025

Kawhi Leonard: ‘Not Accurate’ That I Had a No-Show Job With Aspiration

Leonard called the allegations of a no-show job “clickbait.”