This writer isn’t the only one who feels Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be named NBA co-MVPs this season. Draymond Green is also behind the idea.
On the latest “Draymond Green Show,” the Warriors star explained why SGA and Jokic deserve to share the honor. Green felt that Jokic, a three-time MVP, could be robbed of a fourth award due to voter fatigue, comparing the scenario to LeBron James’ peak years.
“‘Bron should have like six or seven MVPs, but people get bored of greatness,” Green said. “…If Joker was having his this year and never won MVP, he’d undoubtedly be MVP. But because people have grown accustomed to him averaging those numbers, you get a bump down. In saying that, it’s also hard to deny Shai.”
Green then urged the NBA to form a committee where voters could come together to ensure Jokic and SGA share the award. The defensive ace cited the flawed “voting system” since each voter has their unique criteria for selecting the recipient of the Michael Jordan Trophy.
“Both guys are deserving,” Green stressed. “…I usually take a hard stance, but I wish there was a committee and the voting was different because these guys would be co-MVPs.”
In conclusion, Green noted that if Jokic were to be denied the award, voters would regret their decision a decade later for not rewarding a player who averaged a triple-double and was among the top three in points (29.1), rebounds (12.8) and assists (10.3) — a feat not achieved since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967-68.
Last year, Jokic beat SGA (79-15) in first-place votes for MVP. The closest MVP race of the 21st century happened in 2004-05 when Steve Nash received 65 first-place votes over Shaquille O’Neal’s 58. Another close race saw Tim Duncan edge out Jason Kidd by just 12 first-place votes in 2001-02. It shouldn’t come as a shock if this year’s final tally will be as tantalizingly close.
