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Soon, the NBA will reveal the finalists for the MVP award. The Denver Nuggets are under the assumption that their guy, Nikola Jokic, will be in the running once again.
However, it’s becoming clear that Jokic might have a hard time pulling in the hardware for the second season in a row.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has gained plenty of late support as the potential winner. It would mark the second season in a row for him.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s standing in the MVP race is difficult to debate, but the Nuggets’ head coach is up for the challenge. As much as he respects SGA’s impact, he feels strongly about voters overlooking Jokic this season.
David Adelman Sends A Message On Jokic’s MVP Campaign
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 21: Head coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“He is the best player in the world,” Adelman told reporters this past Saturday night. “I mean, the efficiency this year, what he’s done. Growing up around this, I understand there has to be multiple stories. Different people have to win awards, and I think that’s really cool. And what Wembanyama is is so good for the game. He’s so unique. What Shai is. … All these guys are so good for the game, but I just don’t want people to skip past our guy because he’s won it three times.”
Jokic was an MVP finalist for the first time in 2021. That was the year he won his first MVP nod. The veteran center went back-to-back before coming in second in 2023. Many were under the assumption that voter fatigue played a part in sending the award to Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
But Jokic won it again the following year.
Being close to the front of the line in the MVP race feels like the standard for Jokic, which might cause voters and fans to overlook his greatness because it doesn’t stand out as much.
“It’s disappointing to me, I guess. I mean, I could read off his numbers right now, and you’d tell me what you think about them. They’re pretty good,” Adelman added.
“He’s historical. So he should be in the conversation every time. I shouldn’t have to argue for him. I think if anybody watches basketball, or has any idea of what’s going on in the game of basketball, knows that he should be up for the MVP and should be one of the favorites to win it.”
An ESPN straw poll recently hinted at the idea that Jokic could finish third in the race. He would trail Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama if it’s correct.
Perhaps, outdueling Wembanyama during a Nuggets win over the Spurs on Saturday helps shift the standings a bit, but Jokic seems to have a slim chance at surpassing SGA at this time.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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