Let's Go!!!

Luka foul baited on a 3 and missed ALL 3 FREE THROWS. Ball don't lie.

Nikola Jokic left this fan hanging 🤣

So here would be my pushback. The two guys we compare him most to are Shai and Jokic. (I’d also argue, to your point, that those are the only two guys who get “put above him”) I agree that Luka gets criticism for a lot of things that Jokic gets away with (and I use that broadly because I’ve called Jokic out for his poor play at times this year). But Jokic is a champion. He’s literally hoisted the trophy, and he’s now in his early 30s, where most stars start to take more regular season time off. Also, no one is saying Jokic should be MVP this season for the same reasons Luka is not MVP. Shai is actually a better comp because they’re a similar age. Shai has a level of consistency in his intensity night to night, and particularly his focus on limiting or addressing his flaws that Luka doesn’t have. To me that’s the standard. Consistent intensity night to night. Imagine 26 year old LeBron James having as many nights as Luka has had where he comes out flat over the course of 82. Where he’s settling for super tough shots and complaining at the refs and just not playing very hard. Another way to put it is Luka’s floor is just crazy low compared to a lot of the guys who have gotten MVPs or “best player in the world” recognition. I think as soon as Luka adopts that level of night to night seriousness he will win MVP, and he’ll get that recognition. I’m okay with that being the standard.