{"id":702427,"date":"2026-04-07T02:34:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T02:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/702427\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T02:34:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T02:34:17","slug":"nikola-jokics-coach-sends-strong-message-to-mvp-voters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/702427\/","title":{"rendered":"Nikola Jokic’s Coach Sends Strong Message to MVP Voters"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Denver\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Soon, the NBA<\/a> will reveal the finalists for the MVP award. The Denver Nuggets<\/a> are under the assumption that their guy, Nikola Jokic, will be in the running once again.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s becoming clear that Jokic might have a hard time pulling in the hardware for the second season in a row.<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Gilgeous-Alexander\u2019s standing in the MVP race is difficult to debate, but the Nuggets\u2019 head coach is up for the challenge. As much as he respects SGA\u2019s impact, he feels strongly about voters overlooking Jokic this season.<\/p>\n

David Adelman Sends A Message On Jokic\u2019s MVP Campaign
\n\"David<\/p>\n

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS \u2013 NOVEMBER 21: Head coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets<\/a> at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is the best player in the world,\u201d Adelman told reporters this past Saturday night<\/a>. \u201cI mean, the efficiency this year, what he\u2019s done. Growing up around this, I understand there has to be multiple stories. Different people have to win awards, and I think that\u2019s really cool. And what Wembanyama is is so good for the game. He\u2019s so unique. What Shai is. \u2026 All these guys are so good for the game, but I just don\u2019t want people to skip past our guy because he\u2019s won it three times.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a> center Joel Embiid.<\/p>\n

But Jokic won it again the following year.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t stand out as much.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s disappointing to me, I guess. I mean, I could read off his numbers right now, and you\u2019d tell me what you think about them. They\u2019re pretty good,\u201d Adelman added.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s historical. So he should be in the conversation every time. I shouldn\u2019t have to argue for him. I think if anybody watches basketball, or has any idea of what\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

An ESPN straw poll<\/a> recently hinted at the idea that Jokic could finish third in the race. He would trail Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama if it\u2019s correct.<\/p>\n

Perhaps, outdueling Wembanyama during a Nuggets win over the Spurs<\/a> on Saturday helps shift the standings a bit, but Jokic seems to have a slim chance at surpassing SGA at this time.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> 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<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Nuggets\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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