Nikola Jokic (Photo Courtesy: Denver Nuggets/NBA)ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Feb. 22, 2024 -- Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been named the Hickok Belt(R) Award "overall" yearly winner for 2023. Voting was conducted by a select panel of members of the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). The 28-year-old, 6'11" basketball superstar nicknamed the "Joker" was selected for the honor based on his record-setting unbelievable performances throughout 2023, in which he became the first player to lead the playoffs in total points, rebounds, and assists. Jokic performed brilliantly leading his team to the NBA Finals with his fantastic playing and taking his scoring to another level, capturing the franchise's first NBA title. His playing performance was nothing short of sensational and he was awarded the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. He is being compared to Magic Johnson and LeBron James and he is a prolific force and continues to move forward in his remarkable career.Tony Liccione, of the Hickok Belt(R) Award, said in a statement "Nikola Jokic's selection recognizes him as "the best of the best" across all professional sports. It is only fitting, after playing the incredible way he did in the 2023 season, that he be included in the long line of Hickok Belt(R) Award champions. His record-setting achievements are one for the record books."
Other finalists for the "overall" yearly award included each of the 2023 Hickok Belt(R) Award monthly winners, who finished in the following order, based on the NSMA voting: Simone Biles (gymnastics), Mikaela Shiffrin (skiing), Coco Gauff (tennis), Joel Embiid (basketball), Adolis Garcia (baseball), Carlos Alcaraz (tennis), Jon Rahm (golf), Damian Lillard (basketball) and Dak Prescott (football).
To learn more about the rich history of the Hickok Belt(R) Award and keep up with all the news surrounding the award in 2024, please visit www.hickokbelt.com.
