Nikola Jokic is one of three finalists for the NBA Most Valuable Player award, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece, who has received it twice, and Joel Embiid of Cameroon.
The 27-year-old Serb is looking to lift the trophy for the second year in a row.
The NBA on Sunday unveiled the top shortlist for its individual performance award.
Jokic, the center for the Denver Nuggets, ended Antetokounmpo’s two-year reign last season and was just as good this season. Embiid, who hopes to join the MVP club, is the current NBA leader in points.
Award winners will be announced during the postseason.
The finalists for other accolades are:
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
COACH OF THE YEAR
Taylor Jenkins (Memphis), Erik Spoelstra (Miami), Monty Williams (Phoenix).
PLAYER WHO MOST IMPROVED
Darius Garland (Cleveland), Ja Morant (Memphis), Dejounte Murray (San Antonio).
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Scottie Barnes (Toronto), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Evan Mobley (Cleveland).
SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR
Tyler Herro (Miami), Cam Johnson (Phoenix), Kevin Love (Cleveland).
