Talismanic Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic has been crowned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player — sixth international player and third European — on Tuesday. His victory completes a remarkable rise to the pinnacle of basketball after entering the league in 2014 as the 41st pick in the draft.

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Ahead of the selection, Jokic was already considered as the frontrunner by some for the league’s highest individual honour as he enjoyed one of the best offensive seasons in NBA history, averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists. Jokic is also shooting 38% from the three-point range and 86% from the foul line.  

The Denver star becomes the first centre since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to be named the league’s MVP. Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry were the other finalists for the award.

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Backing his selection, Jokic has bagged formidable numbers during the season as he shot 56.6% from the field, 38.8% from 3-point range and 86.8% from the foul line. He also led Denver into the second round of the playoffs despite injuries to three of Denver’s guards — Jamal Murray, Will Barton and PJ Dozier — a feat that none of the other teams was able to match.