Michael Malone explains why he would give the MVP to Nikola Jokic rather than to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Joker, SGA, Joker, SGA, Joker, SGA... the back and forth continues and probably won't stop until the regular season ends. Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are locked in a tight race for MVP until the finish line, making it the most thrilling aspect of this NBA season. Each night, both players increase their chances and strengthen their case. The Canadian is aiming for his first, while the Serbian targets his fourth in five years. Whichever man ultimately takes home the award, they both deserve it as much as the other. However, if you ask Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, voters might be a bit tired. The championship coach cited statistics to illustrate why his protégé deserves it, all while speaking highly of his rival in the race at the same time.

The stunning aspect of this year's MVP race is that there's no room for debate or complaint about who will ultimately win. Both SGA and Jokic have earned every vote they've received. Regardless, both players are deserving, and each one deserves equal consideration. Unfortunately, only one may emerge victorious. Malone, who has coached Jokic for ten years, is working harder than ever to ensure that the MVP honors fall on the right shoulders. That said, Malone isn't disrespecting Gilgeous-Alexander. The coach discussed the MVP conversation after the Nuggets defeated the Thunder in the second of a weekend back-to-back matchup between the two teams. At the same time, Malone didn't shy away from supporting his player. He also criticized the media and voters for their MVP perspective.

"Obviously, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a great player, and if he wins his first MVP, he deserves it. My opinion is this: if you don't know that Nikola has won three MVPs and I put Player A and Player B on paper, and you have no idea that the guy averaging a triple-double, the guy who is top three in the three major statistical categories, things that no one has ever done, wins MVP 10 out of 10 times, and if you don't see it that way, I think you're all full of...".

Michael Malone would vote for Nikola Jokic

Malone supports Jokic just as any superstar would want to be seen and considered by their head coach. In his monologue, Malone continues to assert that Jokic is accomplishing things this season that have never been done historically. He isn't taking away from SGA; he's simply promoting his player. Listening to his comments, his support is crystal clear and direct, not to mention quite persuasive.

Jokic is having an incredible year and putting up nearly unbelievable numbers. He's having a career year in points, assists, and three-point shooting. On top of that, Jokic is averaging a triple-double along the way. Malone agrees that this season is Jokic's best, and we should be inclined to agree with him.

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