Nikola Jokic is the runaway favorite for MVP in ESPN's Straw Poll

With 77 first-place votes, "The Joker" established a clear lead over his competitors. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who received 11 first-place votes, finished in second place. Philadelphia's Joel Embiid (six first-place votes) rounds out the top three. 

The surge to the top of the MVP ladder for Jokić comes after he finished fifth in Bontemps' first poll for the 2022-23 season in December. Jokić earned just one first-place vote in the first poll. 

Boston's Jayson Tatum led December's poll with 47 first-place votes. Antetokounmpo finished in second place at that time (36 first-place votes). Dallas' Luka Dončić and Golden State's Stephen Curry also ranked ahead of Jokić. 

During an appearance on "NBA Today," Bontemps stated it would take "something pretty significant" for Jokić not to be crowned MVP based on the voting results. 

If Jokić can achieve a three-peat, he will become the first player since Larry Bird (1984-86) to do so. Bill Russell (1961-63) and Wilt Chamberlain (1966-68) are the only other players to win three consecutive MVP Awards. It would also make Jokić the ninth player to be MVP at least three times.

Compared to his two previous MVP campaigns, this may be Jokić's most deserving season for the award. He has carried Denver into the All-Star break with the best record in the Western Conference (41-18), averaging 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game. 

Jokić is one of four players averaging double-digit assists per game this season. Should he maintain his current season averages, he can become the first center and third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. 

In terms of efficiency, there has never been anyone better than Jokić. He hasn't regressed too much after posting the best single-season player efficiency rating ever last year (32.85). His 31.79 PER this season is on track to be the sixth-highest of all time.

The poll results also had massive implications on the MVP betting odds. Per Oddschecker, Jokić was -162 early Thursday, and the line has since moved to -230. 

While a third straight MVP would be a historic feat, Jokić is likely more focused on trying to win the first championship of his career.