{"id":712178,"date":"2026-04-17T02:42:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T02:42:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/712178\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T02:42:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T02:42:21","slug":"warriors-draymond-green-apologizes-to-nikola-jokic-for-mvp-pick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/712178\/","title":{"rendered":"Warriors’ Draymond Green Apologizes to Nikola Jokic for MVP Pick"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"\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

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 18: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Out in Colorado, Denver Nuggets fans want to see Nikola Jokic claim his fourth MVP award, preventing a repeat for the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.<\/p>\n

At this point, polls, surveys, sportsbooks, and scattered predictions all seem to think that Jokic will ultimately land in the No. 2 or 3 spot.<\/p>\n

The Golden State Warriors<\/a> star forward Draymond Green isn\u2019t any different with his thinking.<\/p>\n

During a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show<\/a>, the star Warriors veteran revealed his picks. Jokic expectedly landed in Green\u2019s top five. However, he takes a popular\u2013and often infamous\u2013stance on the reason why.<\/p>\n

Draymond Green Ranks Nikola Jokic No. 3 For MVP
\n\"Golden<\/p>\n

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA \u2013 MARCH 21: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Atlanta Hawks<\/a> during the the third quarter at State Farm Arena on March 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Paras Griffin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cIn an ideal world, Joker would be higher,\u201d Green said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe led the league in assists, and he led the league in rebounds. Sometimes with Joker, and I apologize, sometimes people get fatigued with greatness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, that\u2019s been the narrative for quite some time. As Jokic continues to dominate the NBA<\/a>, he gets his recognition with nods as a finalist. But when it comes to winning MVP, he might miss out for the second season in a row, despite putting together historic numbers on a championship-caliber team.<\/p>\n

As for Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Green explained his reasoning behind picking them above Jokic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe force that he\u2019s been on the defensive end has been absolutely incredible,\u201d Green said of Wembanyama. \u201cHe\u2019s a mismatch problem every single night. If he gets anywhere near the rim, they just throw the ball to the rim, he\u2019s the only person who can get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] is still doing what he\u2019s doing on a nightly basis, putting up 30 points and carrying his team, and I think it\u2019s beautiful to watch,\u201d Green explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Wemby has to do some things to go take it. I don\u2019t think it can be neck and neck and get the nod over the guy who has already won MVP. Maybe next year Wemby can go take it, but this year, I got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as back-to-back, most valuable player in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nikola Jokic Loses Steam In The MVP Battle
\n\"The<\/p>\n

GettyDENVER, COLORADO \u2013 NOVEMBER 26: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is defended by Charles Bassey #28 of the San Antonio Spurs<\/a> in the first half at Ball Arena on November 26, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and\/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Ballots will be submitted this week, and it seems that Jokic doesn\u2019t have the same support as he did during the 2023-2024 season, when he last won MVP.<\/p>\n

This year, Jokic just made the 65-game minimum for the NBA to consider him qualified to win awards. Throughout the year, Jokic averaged a triple-double. He posted averages of 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists. As Green mentioned, Jokic led the NBA in rebounds and assists per game.<\/p>\n

If Jokic is a finalist, it would mark the sixth season in a row.<\/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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