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Nikola Jokic is a two-time MVP winner who just led the Denver Nuggets to their first finals appearance in franchise history. However, most media coverage has been on the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James during the Western conference finals.
Jokic and the Nuggets dismissed the Lakers in four games after their comeback win in Game 4 on Monday. Denver coach Michael Malone is tired of the media disrespect. He took time during his media availability to praise his All-Star center.
“I think he is showing other people nationally that he is real. What he is doing is real,” Malone said. “The MVP’s are real. The triple doubles are real.”
Malone had some choice words for the growing narrative that Jokic is not athletic and his statlines are surprising. He also asked for more respect for one of the best players in the league.
“All the silly narratives this year are just that, silly and somewhat ignorant. He’s averaging a triple-double in the payoffs. Have you seen any stat padding out there?” Malone said. “He’s a great player, give him his damn respect. Stop chopping him down at the knees and give him the respect he deserves.”
Does this Finals appearance make Jokic the best player?
Malone went on to say that Jokic’s latest achievement does not change his view and many in the media may give him more credit now for proving his skill late in the playoffs.
“For me, he hasn’t proven anything,” Malone said. “I already know he is a great player.”
Malone said Jokic should be praised for his development. He has come a long way from being a second round draft pick in 2014.
“I think people have short term memory. He was not this player in his first year or second year,” Malone said.
Jokic is averaging an astounding 29.9 points, 13.2 rebounds and 10.2 assists during Denver’s playoff run. He scored more than 30 points in seven different playoff games this season including a 53-point performance against the Phoenix Suns.
Jokic and Denver await the winner of the Eastern Conference finals to decide the championship. The Finals begin June 1. The Miami Heat hold a 3-0 series lead over the Boston Celtics and will likely be Denver’s finals opponent.
