MILWAUKEE – In his first three-peat of the season, Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was named an All-Star starter Thursday evening, ensuring he’ll be in the starting lineup for the third consecutive season Feb. 19 in Salt Lake City.
It’s Jokic fifth consecutive All-Star selection overall. Whether there’s another three-peat in his future as the fourth player in NBA history to be named MVP for three consecutive seasons, will be determined later on this season.
Though Jokic’s scoring is down slightly from last season, his distributing is trending toward an historic season. Heading into Thursday night, Jokic is nearly averaging a triple-double at 25.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game. Just as important as his individual numbers, the Nuggets are 34-15 and No. 1 in the West.
Jokic will be joined by Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, Dallas’ Luka Doncic, New Orleans’ Zion Williamson and Golden State’s Steph Curry out of the West as All-Star Game starters. James was selected as the Western Conference captain. The five starters from the East are Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell. Antetokounmpo was selected captain.
In a new wrinkle this season, the NBA announced that an All-Star draft would take place just before the game itself. Considering the aerial acrobatics of the exhibition and the nominal competition, it’s possible Jokic gets drafted last among the starters, which he would surely take in stride.
Last season, Jokic told The Denver Post that All-Star Games were hard for him for obvious reasons.
“I don’t know what to do,” he said, only half-kidding.
Jokic could be joined by Aaron Gordon, who’s having an All-Star-caliber season in his own right.
Jokic has fans (50% of the vote), fellow players (25%), and select media members, including The Post, (25%) to thank for the honor.
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