The NBA’s 2024-25 MVP race has evolved into one of its most riveting and closely-contested battles in recent memory, centered primarily on two standout players: Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The contest not only pits their statistics and team impacts side-by-side but also reflects shifting narratives shaped by coaches, analysts, and fans alike. Among the most intriguing developments in this conversation is the position taken by Michael Malone, former Denver Nuggets head coach, whose comments have injected fresh controversy and insight into the debate.
Michael Malone’s Changing Stance on the MVP Race
Michael Malone’s trajectory in the MVP discussion is emblematic of the complex emotional and professional dynamics at play. Initially, Malone was a staunch supporter of Nikola Jokić’s MVP credentials, which seemed natural given his role as the Nuggets’ coach during much of Jokić’s historic dominance—including multiple MVP awards prior to 2024-25. Malone was seen as vocal in his advocacy for Jokić, emphasizing the Serbian center’s extraordinary skill set and contribution to Denver’s success.
However, Malone’s dismissal from the Nuggets mere days before the 2025 NBA playoffs ominously shifted the tone. Transitioning into a broadcasting and analyst role, Malone has made statements that appear to elevate SGA, notably declaring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the true MVP following the Thunder’s emphatic Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Claims such as “Shai showed the world why he’s the MVP” and “he showed why he’s the MVP” signaled a dramatic departure from Malone’s prior position and triggered a wave of reactions across the NBA community.
The Statistical and Narrative Battle: SGA vs. Jokić
The core of the MVP debate is the contrast between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s and Nikola Jokić’s performances, both individual and team-based.
Nikola Jokić’s Case
Jokić’s case remains formidable—he is a three-time MVP prior to the 2024-25 season and has consistently posted elite numbers, combining scoring, rebounding, and playmaking in an all-around triple-double effectiveness. His leadership has guided the Nuggets to a strong playoff position, and his basketball IQ and “hivemind” style of play have been widely respected as foundational to Denver’s identity. Malone himself has emphatically praised Jokić as “greatness every night,” acknowledging the unparalleled skill the center brings.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Ascendancy
By contrast, SGA has emerged as a dynamic force driving the Oklahoma City Thunder to impressive team success, characterized by explosive scoring, leadership, and growth into an elite two-way player. Oklahoma City’s dominant 26-point victory over Minnesota in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals showcased his ability to take over critical moments and elevate his team’s performance. Gilgeous-Alexander’s triple-double caliber stats and clutch play have garnered him broad recognition, with some analysts—including Malone—arguing he represents the more compelling MVP narrative given his impact in the moment.
The Broader Debate and its Stakeholders
Malone’s comments have not gone unchallenged. Former Nuggets coach George Karl, for example, publicly rebuked Malone’s newfound position in favor of SGA, emphasizing loyalty and respect for Jokić’s established MVP legacy and critical impact. The ongoing debate framed by these coaches exposes a larger tension: the contrast between past loyalties and current realities, between statistical dominance and team success, and between personal narratives and professional objectivity.
Fans have also had mixed reactions—some joking about Malone’s apparent “betrayal” of Jokić, while others appreciate the candidness and renewed energy Malone’s comments bring to a sometimes predictable conversation about MVP races.
Why Malone’s Shift Matters
Malone’s pivot is significant for several reasons. Firstly, as a former head coach intimately familiar with Jokić’s capabilities and work ethic, Malone’s assessment holds weight; his endorsement of SGA stretches beyond simple narrative hype. Secondly, Malone’s change underscores the evolving nature of sports judgments—how context, roles, and recent performances can dynamically reshape opinions, even those of insiders with prior allegiances. Finally, the shift highlights the human element in sports discourse—how personal circumstances, such as Malone’s firing, might influence perspectives, consciously or unconsciously.
Conclusion: The MVP Race as Reflection of NBA’s Dynamic Landscape
The 2024-25 MVP race encapsulates the NBA’s unfolding story of rising young stars challenging established greatness. Michael Malone’s public endorsement of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Nikola Jokić amplifies the contest’s intensity, offering a potent reminder that MVP debates are as much about timing, narrative, and perception as they are about raw numbers. Whether Malone’s viewpoint signals a broader shift among experts or simply the perspective of a seasoned insider unshackled from former affiliations remains to be seen. Yet, this dialogue enriches the conversation around what it truly means to be the “Most Valuable Player” in today’s fiercely competitive NBA landscape.
