Michael Malone isn’t the one former Nuggets head coach to weigh in on the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Nikola Jokic MVP debate.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was lastly introduced because the MVP of the 2024-25 NBA season. His win was all however confirmed after the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder‘s sensible season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo even poked enjoyable at how apparent Shai’s MVP win was. However as apparent as it might have been, it’s nonetheless a monumental second.
One of many massive speaking factors popping out of Recreation 1 between the Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves was Michael Malone‘s feedback on the MVP race.
Malone, who just some months in the past was singing the praises of Nikola Jokic as MVP, appeared to change his MVP vote to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after his Nuggets firing. However not all former Nuggets coaches agree.
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George Karl took to X after the announcement of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP win. In contrast to Malone, Karl disagrees with the choice.
He famous that Nikola Jokic ought to have gained his fourth MVP award, and felt that he was the apparent and solely winner.
“Jokic was the MVP once more this season, and it wasn’t that shut. However I assume I’m the one former Nuggets coach who is aware of that.”
Karl has lengthy been a powerful advocate for Nikola Jokic, not simply due to his Nuggets affiliation, however for the extent of play he has proven the previous few years.
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Is there a legitimate argument to be made for Nikola Jokic to win? After all. Jokic is a statistical anomaly and had yet one more sensible season from a numbers standpoint.
However on condition that SGA led the NBA in scoring and did it whereas main the Thunder to one of the best document within the NBA, he was the heavy favourite.
Final season, Shai’s numbers and wholesome regular-season document weren’t sufficient to surpass Jokic within the MVP voting.
However this win for Shai has been a very long time coming, and no matter it’s possible you’ll consider him as a participant, it’s onerous to argue in opposition to his win.
