Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple double this season but is still not favorite to be crowned MVP.

The Serbian is putting on a clinic with 28.9 points, 13 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game as he chases a fourth award.

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Jokic beat MVP rival Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right)[/caption]

But Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the NBA in scoring with 32.7 points per game — ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.9) and Jokic.

SGA’s Oklahoma City Thunder lost 140-127 to Jokic’s Denver Nuggets on Monday. The European outscored his MVP rival 35-25 as the Nuggets gained revenge for the Thunder’s win over the weekend.

NFL great and media personality Shannon Sharpe claimed Jokic is the best player in the world on his ‘Nightcap’ podcast but insisted SGA should take the Michael Jordan trophy.

“Shai is gonna win the MVP, and he should, but make no mistake, the best player in the world is Nikola Jokic,” Sharpe told co-host Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson.

“Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world, and it’s not close.”

Ochocinco asked his old friend to explain his reasoning.

“The best player doesn’t always win MVP,” Sharpe continued.

“LeBron James was the best player for a decade, maybe longer, he only has four MVPs, Michael Jordan, same thing.”

“Shai has been phenomenal, leading the league in scoring, but Shai is not a better player,” he added.

“The best player in the NBA, the best basketball player in the world, is from Serbia.”

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Jokic is a nightmare to defend with his vast arsenal of skills[/caption]

“Unc, are you sure about that?” Ochocinco insisted as he moved back in his chair only to get an emphatic response.

“I’m 1,000 percent categorically certain,” replied Sharpe. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life other than my firstborn, she looks just like me.”

Jokic was asked about the MVP race after racking up 18 rebounds against OKC.

“I will say that I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life, so if that’s enough, that’s enough,” he said.

“If not, the guy [Gilgeous-Alexander] deserves it. He’s really amazing.”

Jokic’s humble answer is typical of a player who would just as soon see a teammate score as himself.

There was a question over whether the Nuggets talisman could take the court due to a sore left ankle and right elbow contusion he suffered on Sunday.

Coach Michael Malone informed Jokic that he had played 39, 38, 44 and 41 minutes in the last four games as he tried to convince him to sit out.

“Hell no,” Jokic replied, desperate to face up against SGA.

“I think part of that was also we lost,” Malone said, “And he wanted to lead this team and find a way to come in here and get a win today.”

Jokic suggested he had an ulterior motive.

“Because if I don’t play then I’m going to work out with Felipe (Eichenberger, Denver’s strength and conditioning coach),” he joked. “And that’s much harder than playing.”