Nikola Jokic is poised to secure his third NBA MVP accolade with his stellar performances, propelling the Denver Nuggets to the forefront of the Western Conference. However, there’s contention over whether he deserves the honor this year, with comedian Kevin Hart suggesting that granting Jokic another MVP could diminish the recognition of other outstanding players and highlight flaws in the league’s voting system.
During the NBA Unplugged show, Hart advocated against awarding Jokic more MVP titles, arguing that it could stagnate the league’s recognition of diverse talents. Cedric The Entertainer supported this sentiment by proposing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a deserving candidate, emphasizing Jokic’s current season as less dominant compared to his previous MVP campaigns.
Critics point out that Jokic’s performances lack the overwhelming impact typically associated with MVP recipients. Some advocate for Luka Doncic, highlighting his scoring prowess and near-triple-double average, while others champion Gilgeous-Alexander for his role in elevating the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top of the Western standings.
The contention arises from the perception that Jokic benefits from a strong supporting cast at the Nuggets, detracting from his individual contribution to the team’s success. Kevin Hart argues that the NBA should prioritize recognizing stars whose singular efforts directly influence their team’s performance, suggesting that Jokic’s success is more a product of collective effort than personal dominance.