The MVP debate in the NBA is rarely straightforward. It’s a swirling storm of narratives, stats, opinions, and—sometimes—controversy. And on Thursday night, during ESPN’s NBA Countdown, former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone stepped into that storm and made his position crystal clear: if he had a vote this season, he would have picked Nikola Jokic.
Malone, who coached Jokic for eight seasons and helped guide the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, used his platform not just to praise his former star but to remind everyone what true value looks like in the game of basketball.
“There’s nobody like Jokic,” Malone said on air, sitting alongside fellow analysts. “I know I’m biased—I coached the guy. But I also saw firsthand how he elevates everyone around him. I’ve said it before: he’s a generational talent. If I had a vote, it’s Jokic, no hesitation.”
It was a brief moment, but one loaded with significance, especially in a year where the MVP race has been tighter than ever. Joel Embiid, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all put up MVP-caliber campaigns, making the decision a tough one for voters. Jokic, the two-time MVP and reigning NBA Finals MVP, once again anchored the Nuggets as one of the league’s most efficient, consistent, and unselfish stars.
Yet some analysts and fans wondered if voter fatigue might hinder his chances. The MVP, after all, is not purely about statistics—it’s about storylines, fresh faces, and momentum. And for Malone, that’s where the problem lies.
“Sometimes I think we overthink these things,” Malone continued. “Jokic shows up every single night. He gives you 25-12-9 on ridiculous efficiency, he makes teammates better, he wins, and he never complains. That’s MVP material, plain and simple.”
Those numbers Malone referenced? They’re not exaggerated. Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists this season while shooting over 58% from the field. He led the Nuggets to a top-three seed in the West and finished among the top 5 in PER, Win Shares, Box Plus-Minus, and VORP.
Yet despite his dominance, the MVP conversation this year often swayed toward flashier scorers or newer narratives—like Shai’s breakout season in Oklahoma City or Embiid’s campaign before injuries derailed it. That’s part of what prompted Malone’s comments. Not as a plea, but as a reminder.
“It’s easy to get caught up in highlights and Twitter discourse,” Malone said. “But real hoopers know. Coaches know. Jokic does the hard stuff—the stuff that doesn’t always make headlines but wins you games in June.”
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Coming from someone no longer actively coaching Jokic, Malone’s endorsement carries added weight. He didn’t have to say anything. He’s not lobbying for his guy anymore. In fact, Malone’s appearance on NBA Countdown was part of his new venture into media following a mutually agreed departure from the Nuggets earlier this year. But when the conversation turned to MVP, he didn’t mince words.
The reaction online was swift and passionate. Nuggets fans lit up social media with appreciation for Malone’s loyalty. Basketball purists applauded the coach’s willingness to stand by his former player, even when it wasn’t trendy. And even some skeptics gave credit for the clarity of his take.
“Malone keeping it real,” one fan wrote. “You can tell he truly respects the game and the players who do the little things right.”
Of course, Malone and Jokic shared more than just court time—they built a culture together. Malone was instrumental in Jokic’s development from a second-round pick to a global superstar. Their connection ran deep, built on mutual trust, open communication, and years of growth together. So in many ways, it makes perfect sense that Malone would back Jokic—even now.
But this wasn’t just about loyalty. It was about legacy.
Jokic’s consistent excellence has been one of the defining stories of the NBA over the past five seasons. His blend of scoring, passing, rebounding, and leadership is virtually unmatched in today’s game. And while Malone no longer holds a clipboard courtside, he clearly believes Jokic’s impact deserves to be acknowledged—again and again.
“I was lucky to coach him,” Malone said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “But even now, sitting here, I still watch him play and think, ‘How does he do this?’ The game just runs through him. That’s what MVPs do.”
As the playoffs rage on and the MVP announcement looms, Malone’s comments will echo through the discourse. He didn’t lobby. He didn’t bash other candidates. He simply offered his truth: the most valuable player, in his eyes, still wears No. 15 in Denver.
And for those who watch the game closely, it’s hard to argue with that.
Whether Jokic ultimately takes home the hardware again or not, one thing is certain—he’s earned the respect of those who know the game best. And on Thursday night, Michael Malone made sure the world didn’t forget it.
