The debate around the 2025 NBA MVP race continues to stir discussion even as the new season approaches, and former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has found himself at the center of it. Known for his passionate defense of his players, Malone once again addressed the MVP conversation involving his longtime superstar, Nikola Jokic, and reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His comments provide a glimpse not only into the competitive landscape of the league but also into the delicate balance between loyalty, honesty, and perception.

Shai’s Breakthrough Season

There’s no denying that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a historic campaign in 2024/25. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard elevated his game to a new level, averaging elite numbers, leading his team to the top of the Western Conference, and ultimately guiding them to an NBA championship. To cap it all off, Shai claimed both MVP honors for the regular season and the Finals MVP trophy, cementing himself as one of the league’s premier superstars.

From the outside looking in, Shai’s season was simply too strong to ignore, and his individual brilliance matched with team success made his MVP case nearly bulletproof. Yet, in Denver, the narrative was understandably different.

Jokic’s Continued Excellence

While Shai shined, Nikola Jokic quietly put together another remarkable season, one that under most circumstances would have earned him his fourth MVP trophy. Jokic averaged 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, nearly posting a triple-double while also adding close to two steals per game. Those numbers reaffirmed his status as the most well-rounded player in basketball, a superstar who impacts the game in virtually every way imaginable.

To many Nuggets fans, Jokic’s statistical dominance and his leadership for Denver warranted the award. That belief made Malone’s comments about Shai being “deserving” of the MVP sting a bit more for the local fanbase, particularly since Malone had spent a decade as the Nuggets’ head coach and built an incredibly close bond with Jokic.

Malone’s Clarification

During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Malone clarified his stance, reaffirming his unwavering support for Jokic while explaining the circumstances behind his previous remarks.

“I would do it again, I would vote for Nikola again,” Malone said firmly. “People thought I changed my stance because I was fired, but that’s not true. I love Nikola, I love that I was the coach of Denver for 10 years. Look at Jokic’s numbers: 30 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and almost 2 steals per game. And look at what Shai did. What kind of season he had and how dominant both he and Oklahoma were.”

Malone emphasized that his initial comments were more reflective of the timing and context rather than any shift in loyalty. He explained that working in media for the first time—covering the Western Conference Finals between Oklahoma City and Minnesota—he got caught up in the moment.

“I was excited because of the Western Conference Finals and I was covering it for the first time from a journalist’s perspective,” Malone admitted. “Everything you say is under the microscope. I was so hyped and wrapped up in this Western Conference Finals between Oklahoma and Minnesota, and I made a comment about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and why he would be the MVP.”

Balancing Two Truths

What Malone essentially tried to convey is that both statements can be true: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved the award based on team success and overall dominance, while Jokic remained the best player in the league from a pure performance standpoint. Unfortunately, soundbites often lose nuance, and Malone’s original remarks were taken by many as an indirect slight toward Jokic and Denver.

“I called my wife right after the game and she told me that people in Denver didn’t take my comment well,” Malone revealed. “I didn’t want to be disrespectful, but it was more or less already known that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be MVP. I think they even announced it officially the next day or something like that. I just said something everyone already knew.”

Loyalty to Jokic and Denver

Malone’s defense of his relationship with Jokic carries weight. Over a 10-year coaching tenure with Denver, Malone helped shepherd Jokic from an overlooked second-round pick into a two-time MVP, NBA champion, and widely regarded best player in the world. Their partnership was one of the most productive coach-superstar pairings in recent NBA history, capped by Denver’s 2023 championship run.

Even after his firing, Malone has made it clear that his admiration for Jokic and the Nuggets organization has not wavered. By reaffirming that he would “vote for Nikola again,” Malone hopes to remind fans that his loyalty to Denver and Jokic remains intact, even as he transitions into his new role as an NBA analyst.

The Larger MVP Debate

The broader conversation here is one that continues to dominate NBA circles: the criteria for MVP selection. Should the award go to the player with the most impressive statistical profile, the one who is the “best player in the world,” or should it reward the star who delivers both numbers and team success in a given year?

Jokic’s consistency is unparalleled—he has firmly established himself as the NBA’s most impactful all-around player. Yet Shai’s ascension highlighted the league’s depth of talent and the way narratives, team records, and breakthrough performances often drive award voting.

Malone’s comments, whether taken in context or not, underscore how complicated and emotional these discussions can become, especially when multiple superstars produce historically great seasons at the same time.

Looking Ahead to 2025/26

As the new NBA season looms, both Shai and Jokic enter with something to prove. For Shai, it’s about defending his MVP crown and showing that his championship run was no fluke. For Jokic, it’s about reclaiming the award and reaffirming his dominance, while also leading Denver back to the top of the Western Conference after falling short of their ultimate goal last year.

Malone, now in his analyst role, will undoubtedly continue to weigh in on both players throughout the season. His unique perspective—having coached one of them for a decade while now offering commentary on the other—ensures that his words will continue to carry weight, whether Nuggets fans embrace them or not.

Conclusion

Michael Malone’s clarification highlights the thin line between objective analysis and perceived loyalty in professional sports. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rightfully earned his 2025 MVP and Finals MVP honors, Malone has once again reaffirmed his belief that Nikola Jokic remains the standard for excellence in the NBA.

The MVP debate will rage on, as it always does, but Malone’s words ultimately reflect the reality of the modern NBA: two superstars, at the peak of their powers, pushing each other to greater heights. For fans, it’s less about choosing sides and more about appreciating an era where the league’s brightest talents continue to redefine greatness.