by The Denver Nuggets’ 118-104 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night helped keep the team in first place in the Western Conference standings.
But, star center Nikola Jokic appears to have fallen from the position of favorite for NBA MVP after some of his defensive shortcomings were highlighted during the team’s recent struggles.
After Wednesday night’s game, Denver head coach Michael Malone spoke out against the ongoing debate over the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
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February 28, 2023; Houston, Texas, United States; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
“I think, unfortunately, this year has just taken a really ugly, nasty turn in the MVP conversation, and I think it’s really alienated a lot of people, including him,” Malone said.
Jokic was awarded the MVP trophy after the 2021 season and received MVP honors for the second time in a row last year.
“And what’s happening now is there are so many guys that could win MVP this year. Great candidates. Joel Embiid is a great candidate, Luka Doncic is a great candidate, Jayson Tatum, whoever you want to put in that mix, those are everyone deserves it. But what happens in today’s society is everyone, it’s like when I was a college coach and all the negative recruiting. It’s not promoting my guy, it’s tearing everyone else apart. And that’s just ridiculous.” Malone pointed out.
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Malone called for more overall positive conversations when it comes to players across the league.
“This game, as Adam Silver told us at the All-Star break, the game is in great moment. The league is in great moment. We have great players. Celebrate them. Don’t criticize, don’t tear them down. Build them all up. , and whoever wins, good for them. And that’s something that’s been really disappointing this year with all the MVP talk and all the hot takes. It’s really gotten ugly and nasty, and I don’t really care for it.”
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center, shoots a shot between Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee, left, and forward PJ Washington, in the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Sunday, December 18, 2022 in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
With Jokic’s odds of winning the award down, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is now the favorite. The Sixers have skyrocketed in recent weeks, while the Nuggets have recently experienced a downturn.
Earlier this month, Malone said the MVP debate had “got so out of hand on so many levels” and taken a “really dark” turn.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins sparked controversy when he discussed the MVP race during an appearance on ESPN.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets waits for a rebound during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 23, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Perkins mentioned that only three players since 1990 have won an MVP despite being outside the top 10 in points per game: Jokic in his first MVP campaign in 2020-21, Dirk Nowitzki (2006-07) and Steve Nash (2004- 05, 2005). -06).
“What do those guys have in common? I’m going to let it sit there and marinate. Think about it,” Perkins said, testing “First Take” co-host Stephen A. Smith.
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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo also has good reason to take home his third trophy. He is averaging a career-high 31.2 points along with 11.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. The Bucks currently sit in first place in the Eastern Conference standings.
