While Nikola Jokic seemed on a royal road to win a 3rd MVP title in a row, an extremely rare feat, now all the cards have been reshuffled for 15 days. Blame it on the Nuggets’ less good shot, but also on the boxes of Joel Embiid or the domination of the Bucks. Result, the Serb is suddenly relegated to the background, and his coach does not understand the criticism.
“I find that this year the MVP debate has taken a very ugly and very bad turn, and I think that disgusts a lot of people, including Jokic” reports Mike Malone. “What’s happening right now is there are so many guys who could win MVP this year, really good candidates. Joel Embiid is an excellent candidate. Luka Doncic is an excellent candidate. Jayson Tatum too… No matter who you want to put in this debate, they all deserve it. But what’s happening in today’s society is that everyone – and this reminds me of when I was a coach in college – is in a bad mood. It’s not about promoting my guy. It’s about bashing everyone else, and it’s just ridiculous. »
Let’s celebrate the superstars instead of criticizing them
For Malone, it would be good if the public or even the actors realized that we are living in a dream era with half a dozen candidates for the title of MVP at an incredible level of play.
“This sport – as Adam Silver told us at the time of the All-Star Game – is in a great place. The NBA is in a great situation. We have very great players. Let’s celebrate them! Don’t criticize them! Don’t tear them down. Support them, and whoever wins, good for them. It’s something really disappointing this year in this MVP debate, with all these positions. It’s gotten really ugly and nasty, and I don’t like it.”
