Also Interesting
Nikola Jokic Picks Up Back to Back NBA MVP Award Win
So it appears that lightning does indeed strike twice. Serbian giant Nikola Jokic has picked up the prestigious NBA MVP award for the second year in a row, even though he was unable to guide his Denver Nuggets past the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
If you are a sports betting enthusiast, you might want to back the 27-year-old to make it three in a row next season, and if so, we suggest you check out this list of sports betting operators in Canada in order to find the best place to make your wager.
Jokic has been a huge hit since moving to the NBA in 2015, and he won 875 points from those tasked with picking the winner of the MVP award. The award is given following the votes cast by 100 sportswriters and broadcasters who clearly felt that Nuggets man had done enough to clinch the award again.
The numbers put in by Jokic are frankly frightening. He became the first player in NBA history to record at least 2000 points, 1000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season. Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76’ers finished second place in the voting. Giannis Antetokoumpo of the Milwaukee Bucks finished in the third position.
It’s the first time that all three top places in the NBA MVP award went to players outside the United States and shows the growing worldwide appeal of the NBA and the strength of depth outside the country’s shores.
The praise for Jokic has been near-universal, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was effusive in his assessment of his star player; “I don’t know what else you can say about Nikola at this point” He’s consistently improved his game; he’s consistently proved people wrong when they doubt him, and he’s consistently the best player on the floor night in and night out.” “I’ve said it many times before; I’m extremely grateful to coach Nikola Jokic and just as grateful for the bond that we’ve built off the court in our seven years together.”
Jokic is the fourth player in the last ten years to pick-up back to back MVP awards, following the likes of LeBron James (2012 & 2013), Step Curry (2015 & 2016), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019 & 2020).
Of the 100 judges, Jokic was placed first by 65, showing his dominance in the field, with Embiid getting 26 first-place votes and Antetokounmpo getting nine. Jokic has been dubbed by many as the best passer in the game since Magic Johnson, but until he picks up an NBA Championship ring, it may be too early to lavish him with such praise.
Jokic has been with the Nuggets for seven seasons and has helped Denver to make the post-season on four occasions, and in 2020, they made it all the way to the Conference Finals before they were crushed by the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Nuggets have never won an NBA title, and one wonders if Jokic would have to leave in order to achieve his full potential?
Also Interesting
Blue Jays Keep The Hot Stove Burning After Massive December Moves
The Toronto Blue Jays are certainly keeping things interesting this winter. While the calendar might say late December, the front office shows no signs of slowing down. They have already made waves across MLB with some massive acquisitions earlier in the month.
Rather than packing it in for the holidays, the management team is seemingly working overtime. Their goal is to build a roster that can truly compete for a championship in 2026.
Although there are no more signing announcements for the end of the year, the silence is likely temporary. Reports indicate that the team is actively pursuing several more roster improvements before the new year begins.
A Rotation Built To Dominate
The team made their intentions clear in early December. They successfully signed Dylan Cease to a massive seven-year, $210 million contract. This deal, which became official around December 8, instantly transforms the Toronto rotation into one of the strongest in MLB.
Moreover, they did not stop with just one big arm. The front office added significant depth by bringing in KBO MVP Cody Ponce on a three-year deal worth $30 million. This gives the team a level of stability that was missing in previous seasons.
With such dramatic changes to the roster, fans might be looking for a clear overview of licensed Ontario sportsbooks to understand how these moves have impacted the team’s championship odds. It is certainly a different looking team than the one that ended the last season.
Targets for the Bullpen and Lineup
It seems that the focus has now shifted from the starting rotation to other needs. Agents around the league note that the Jays remain “everywhere” in trade talks. The priority is now on finding high-leverage arms and position players to round out the squad.
The front office is reportedly looking at several specific targets:
- Robert Suarez is a primary target to help lock down the late innings.
- Luke Weaver is being considered to add veteran versatility to the staff.
- Depth pieces for the lineup are being sought to support the core hitters.
- Internal extensions remain a key part of the winter strategy.
Due to the heavy spending on Cease and Ponce, these next moves will likely be strategic. The team is looking for the right fit to complement their new stars.
The Future of the Infield and Management
Conversations are actively continuing with free agent Bo Bichette. Bringing him back is a major topic of discussion among the fanbase, even if no deal is imminent yet. Furthermore, the team has been linked to prospect Kyle Tucker, suggesting they are keeping an eye on the future as well as the present.
Manager John Schneider has also expressed optimism regarding his own contract extension. However, he made it clear that building the team comes first. Therefore, while the heavy lifting might seem done, the work continues behind the scenes.
To be sure, the MLB offseason is long. But the Toronto Blue Jays have started fast, and they seem determined to finish strong.
Also Interesting
BCU Financial: A Trusted Credit Union for the Ukrainian Community in Canada
We wanted to know what to do if you came to Canada for temporary or permanent residence. Many Ukrainians have arrived in the country, and many don’t know where to begin their financial journey. People often turn to traditional banks, where they encounter problems due to a lack of language skills and basic understanding of Canadian financial processes. We found an alternative – a credit union in Toronto. Today, we’ll look at one of the most well-known and learn more about what they have to offer Ukrainians.
What is a Credit Union in Toronto
These organisations differ from the typical bank for Ukrainians. They offer more flexible conditions, convenient online management, and a personalised approach.
However, these organisations are just as safe and reliable as banks. Let’s look at reliability using the example of the well-known BCU Financial:
- With over 70 years on the market. This credit union in Toronto has a dedicated client base with decades of experience.
- Extensive experience. Indeed, over more than 7 decades, its specialists have become experts in financial matters.
- Branches available. You can visit the office for face-to-face interaction.
- Active in the social life of the Ukrainian community. Buduchnist Credit Union provides financial support to schools, churches, and communication centres for Ukrainian newcomers.
As you can see, such companies have stability and experience. Now let’s look at how they differ from banks in financial matters.
Ukrainian Credit Union Toronto: Differences from a Traditional Bank
Firstly, such organizations welcome a personalized approach to Ukrainians. They are more flexible when it comes to obtaining a loan. Newcomers in Canada are working on receiving a good credit history. Banks always request one when reviewing a loan application.
Secondly, you can receive advice in your native language. Most Canadian banks don’t have multilingual consultants and respond only to inquiries in English or French. If, for example, you need help with a scholarship card, you’ll have to call a translator.
Third, you’ll get more flexible and understated banking for Ukrainians. It includes the ability to submit an app online. It provides such services as ordering credit cards, applying for a loan, or opening an account.
Conclusions
Credit unions are much easier for Ukrainians to work with. They speak your language, can provide advice on finances and their specific needs in Canada, and offer flexible terms. They also provide full-fledged online banking, so familiar to Ukrainians. You also become part of the community because, as a credit union member, you are, to a certain extent, its co-owner.
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