West Notes: Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Grizzlies, Kings

Nuggets

No less than Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was voted the NBA’s best player overall in an ESPN poll of scouts, executives and coaches.

Jokic received 15 of the 18 votes, with two going to Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and the other to Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards.

“Jokic is this survey’s runaway winner for the second year in a row,” wrote Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “That’s not a surprise, considering the Denver Nuggets center is coming off his third Most Valuable Player award in four seasons.”

• Interestingly, none of those polled picked the Nuggets to win the Western Conference. Instead, 14 of the votes went to the Thunder. Dallas and Minnesota each received two votes.
• In case you missed it, former Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki dreams of a day when Jokic and Doncic join forces in the NBA.With Dallas, of course. We have that full story here.

Grizzlies

Grizzlies center Zach Edey was the pick to win 2024-25 Rookie of the Year. Edey received eight votes, followed by Rockets guard Reed Sheppard with five.

“Fitting for a class lacking a consensus top talent, six players received votes,” Bontemps wrote. “In the end, a consensus formed around two players battling in the Southwest division: Memphis center Zach Edey and Houston guard Reed Sheppard. While Edey is slated to start at center right away, the Rockets’ backcourt depth could impact playing time for Sheppard.”

• Memphis stands a chance at a return to West contention with the return of star guard Ja Morant, per Chris Dodson of Clutch Points, who predicted a 47-35 season awaits.

Kings

Center Domantas Sabonis is like most affiliated with the Kings. He’s excited about the arrival of small forward DeMar DeRozan.

“Definitely. He’s a very smart player, has been in the league forever, and has done so much,” Sabonis said, via Sean Cunningham of FOX40. “I’m excited to learn from him, pick his brain, and I hope everyone else is too, so everyone gets better overall.”

Sabonis wasn’t finished.

“I think (DeRozan’s presence is) going to be good for us. It will make us think differently on the court, move differently, and read each other,” he said. “We are used to playing one style, but he does something at a Hall of Fame level that we’re going to have to play around, and it’s going to make it so much harder for teams to guard us because we can basically score from anywhere.

“I’m happy he is here. Then, getting to spend that week with him in LA and getting to know him more, I’m really excited.”