NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith compares the situation at Nicola Jokic’s 2025 MVP Awards race with Michael Jordan.
The Denver Nuggets are currently on a two-game skid after a back-to-back defeat against the Minnesota Timber Wolves and the San Antonio Spurs.
Nikola Djokic rested for the Spurs game, but the Serbian superstar gave his best against the Timberwolves, finishing the night with a 61-point triple double.
Many argued that this performance should advance Jokic over OKC Thunder’s Shygilgauss Alexander in the 2025 NBA MVP race. But NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith gave Michael Jordan’s point of view as to why Jokic isn’t MVP this season.
Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player to play in the NBA. If he ignored his two-year stint with the Washington Wizard, MJ was undoubtedly considered the best player in the league throughout his 13 seasons with the Chicago Bulls.
However, Jordan won five regular season MVP awards. Stephen A. recently claimed that the media and fans know that Jokic is currently the best player in MVP, but like Mike, he doesn’t earn any honors every year.
“There are a lot of times when Michael Jordan didn’t get MVP. We knew he was the best player in the league. We underestimate how strong the joke is. He’s a strong, strong brother.
“I’m looking at Ant-Man next to him. Ant-Man looks like a child next to him. He’s so big, he’s so wide, he’s just pushing him.
Smith pointed out people like Anthony Edwards compared to the Joker. He is certainly a special player, but everything refers to the SGA bringing home the honor.
Many NBA players are unable to record a triple double of 61 points. Former NBA player Jay Williams claimed that if someone like LeBron James or Stephen Curry achieved this milestone, the media would not stop talking about it.
“If LeBron or Steph drops 61, 10, 10 in the game at this time, it shuts down the internet and ESPN speaks straight for two days.
“Why? Because he doesn’t see that part. He’s not flashy, he’s not loud. But he doesn’t make any mistakes. Skills, he’s already outweighed Shaq (O’Neal), Hakeem (Olajuwon), and even Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar).
“We’re afraid to say that. Jokic is not the best player in the world. He’s quietly building one of the greatest legacies we’ve ever seen.
Jokic, the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, has already surpassed all the expectations fans had from him about a decade ago.
Even after winning the NBA Championship, the NBA Finals MVP and three NBA MVPS, Jokic continues his non-charrant approach to the game.
Williams believes that is the biggest reason behind those who are diminishing their 30-year-old legacy in the NBA.