Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has a clear favorite in the NBA MVP race: defending champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Malone picked SGA over Nikola Jokić and defensive powerhouse Victor Wembanyama, but clarified that he meant no disrespect to either.
Why Former Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Prefers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP Over Nikola Jokić
An elite clutch performer, Gilgeous-Alexander may not be the league’s leading scorer, but he is a close second. However, for Malone, the 2025 NBA Champion’s two-way impact and, on a larger scale, his leadership in guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best 60-16 record this season are important aspects.
Currently working as an ESPN analyst, Malone offered his take on the ongoing NBA MVP race and who he thinks has the highest chance. The former Nuggets HC highlighted SGA’s stat line and his excellence on display as a guard, explaining why he roots for the Thunder superstar.
“He’s proven himself to be the best clutch player in the NBA. He’s got five game-tying or go-ahead field goal makes in the last 30 seconds, and he’s got a chance to be the first guard ever to average 30 points per game while shooting 55% from the field. You talk about consistency, 20 points every single night against a defense that is trying to game plan for you.”
“No disrespect to Wemby, Nikola Jokić, and everybody else, but I think SGA is incredible in his ability to impact the game in all shapes and forms. It feels like the discussion,” Malone added.
Malone and Jokić built a special bond starting in 2015, when the Serbian arrived as a second-round pick. Malone built the system around Jokić, as the duo went on to lift the championship in 2023.
Jokić has already become a mainstay in discussions of all-time great centers and is once again in MVP conversations this year. He is averaging 27.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game. In the 130-117 win over the Utah Jazz, he became the second player in the league to average a triple-double in consecutive seasons, joining former teammate Russell Westbrook.
Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game through 64 appearances this season. He is shooting 55.3% from the field and 88.0% from the free-throw line.
In a loaded MVP contender lineup boasting the likes of SGA, Jokić, Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Dončić, the race to clinch the accolades will go right down to the wire.
