Michael Malone believes ‘ugly, nasty’ MVP debate has affected Nikola Jokic’s performance

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is in pursuit of his third consecutive MVP award. But his coach believes that the debate around the prestigious award has turned "nasty."

If Jokic wins the MVP award for a third straight year, it would be a rare accomplishment. Only three players in NBA history have won the award in three straight seasons: Wilt Chamberlain (1965-68), Bill Russell (1960-63) and Larry Bird (1983-86).

The Denver Nuggets (49-24) are at the top of the Western Conference, with Jokic averaging 24.8 points, 11.9 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game while shooting a career-best 63.6%.

Denver coach Mike Malone talked recentely about how the MVP conversation this year feels different.

"This year has taken an ugly, nasty turn in the MVP conversation," Malone said. "And I think it's turned a lot of people off, including him. And what’s happening now is there’s so many guys that could win the MVP this year — great candidates. Joel Embiid is a great candidate. Luka Doncic is a great candidate. Jayson Tatum — whoever you want to put in that mix, those are all deserving.

"But what happens in today’s society is that everybody — it’s like when I was a college coach — all the negative recruiting, it’s not promoting my guy, it’s ripping down every other guy. And that’s just ridiculous."

---

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets look to finish season on high note

Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic

Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone's contention that he public conversation surrounding the NBA's MVP award has taken a "nasty" turn seems accurate. The award has always been something that has had fans excited about the debate for which player would end up winning.

Instead, the media has started to explode the debate for all of the wrong reasons. This year's field of worthy candidates has been as strong as ever. There's a case for a number of different players to be MVP, including Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

Nikola Jokic was simply sensational in his previous two seasons. He deserved to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons. But Jokic has taken his game to another level this season. Despite not having as impressive of stats as last year, Jokic has had the most efficient season of his career.

His team has also been one of the NBA's best throughout the majority of the season. Time will tell if Jokic ends up cementing his name in NBA history. For now, Jokic and the Nuggets will focus on finishing the season on a high note as they look to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.