ESPN senior analyst Brian Windhorst recently sparked a heated discussion about Nikola Jokic's performance since returning from injury, suggesting the Denver Nuggets' cornerstone isn't exhibiting his customary MVP-level play. On the latest installment of The Hoop Collective podcast, Windhorst made the pointed observation that while Jokic is actively participating, he is not looking like the MVP-caliber performer basketball observers have come to expect. This commentary from such a prominent voice demands careful consideration, though it also necessitates examination within the broader context of Jokic's remarkable season.
The focus on Jokic's ball security reached a fever pitch following Denver's gut-wrenching last-second defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where a crucial turnover from the Serbian center in the game's final minute directly contributed to the loss. The narrative gained further traction when Jokic came perilously close to recording a quadruple-double against the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with a season-high nine turnovers against a team bound for the lottery. These high-profile mistakes have cast an unusual spotlight on what has traditionally been a strength of Jokic's game—his impeccable decision-making and ball protection.
Windhorst's assertion that Jokic isn't playing like an MVP has created a schism among basketball analysts. The critique centers on the elevated turnover rate and occasional defensive positioning issues that have surfaced post-injury. However, this evaluation may suffer from a lack of perspective when weighed against the historic statistical output Jokic continues to generate. Since rejoining the lineup after missing 16 games due to a knee injury, Jokic has resumed his position at the summit of the league leaderboards in both rebounds and assists—an unprecedented combination that no player in the annals of NBA history has ever achieved in the same season.
The depth of Jokic's impact extends far beyond traditional counting statistics. His dominance in advanced metrics remains absolutely unparalleled. His player efficiency rating, win shares per 48 minutes, and box plus/minus not only lead the entire league but actually represent new career-highs in categories where he already holds the all-time records. This statistical supremacy provides compelling evidence that even a 'subpar' version of Jokic by his own astronomical standards remains the single most impactful player in professional basketball.
The timing of these concerns proves particularly significant given the NBA's relatively new 65-game eligibility requirement for postseason awards. Jokic's knee injury cost him precisely 16 games, leaving him with absolutely zero margin for error as the regular season winds down. To qualify for MVP consideration and other honors, he must appear in all 27 of Denver's remaining regular season contests, or at the absolute maximum miss just one more game. This somewhat arbitrary threshold has drawn considerable criticism from players, coaches, and analysts across the league, but for now, it casts a long shadow over Jokic's candidacy and adds another layer of pressure to his nightly performances.
The Nuggets' roster context provides essential perspective for understanding Jokic's recent struggles. For much of the season, Denver has been absolutely decimated by injuries to key rotation players, forcing Jokic to shoulder an unprecedented offensive and playmaking burden. Recently, however, much-needed reinforcements have returned to the lineup. Cam Johnson's comeback has provided elite floor-spacing—the veteran forward is shooting a blistering 55% from three-point range since rejoining the starting five. Christian Braun has also made an immediate and substantial impact, pouring in 20 points against Cleveland and posting three consecutive double-digit scoring performances.
Perhaps most impressively, Jokic has demonstrated his unique ability to elevate complete unknowns into productive NBA rotation players. Spencer Jones and Julian Strawther have found themselves thrust into the starting lineup due to sheer necessity, and Jokic's transcendent playmaking has made them appear like seasoned veterans rather than inexperienced prospects. His preternatural ability to create wide-open, high-quality shots has Denver leading the entire NBA in three-point shooting percentage as a team, despite regularly fielding a rotation that has featured G League call-ups and two-way players in prominent roles.
The turnover issues, while statistically verifiable and visually apparent, likely have several logical explanations. Jokic missed significant time and was immediately thrust back into action against the league's elite competition without a proper ramp-up period. The natural rust from his extended layoff, combined with cumulative fatigue from playing heavy minutes with a shorthanded roster, could reasonably explain the temporary decline in ball security. Additionally, his increased assist rate—leading the league in both rebounds and assists while passing to relatively unfamiliar teammates—naturally elevates turnover risk due to miscommunications and timing issues.
Furthermore, the psychological and mental burden cannot be discounted or ignored. Jokic is simultaneously managing his own injury recovery, integrating new and inexperienced teammates, pursuing historic statistical achievements, and constantly monitoring his games-played total to ensure award eligibility. This substantial mental load could easily manifest in occasional lapses of concentration, particularly in high-leverage moments at the ends of close games.
From a broader analytical perspective, Jokic's season represents a masterclass in carrying a team through significant adversity. While his turnover rate has indeed spiked, his overall impact metrics remain at an all-time high level. The Nuggets' offense still runs entirely through him, and his mere presence on the floor makes Denver a legitimate championship contender. Even Windhorst acknowledged Jokic's importance by discussing his return to action, suggesting the conversation is about degree of dominance rather than any fundamental decline in ability.
The debate ultimately centers on the impossibly high expectations that Jokic has established through his previous MVP campaigns. For virtually any other player in the league, averaging a triple-double while leading the NBA in rebounds and assists would represent a coronation and unanimous MVP selection. For Jokic, it's somehow being characterized as a down year simply because of a few additional turnovers per game. This speaks volumes about the astronomical standard he has set through his consistent excellence.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, Jokic's health and availability become paramount concerns for Denver's championship aspirations. The Nuggets need him on the court not just for individual award consideration, but for crucial playoff positioning in the hyper-competitive Western Conference. Each remaining game carries dual significance—securing vital victories while simultaneously preserving his award eligibility.
In conclusion, while Windhorst's observations about Jokic's post-injury form and turnover issues are not without some merit, they represent a narrow interpretation of a much larger and more impressive narrative. Jokic is authoring what may ultimately be remembered as the most statistically impressive season in modern NBA history while navigating unprecedented challenges including injury recovery, roster instability, and restrictive eligibility rules. The turnovers are a minor footnote in a story of continued dominance, not a chapter indicating decline. The three-time MVP remains the league's most valuable player by virtually every objective measure available, and his recent 'struggles' would represent career years for almost any other player in the association.