Nikola Jokic’s numbers in 2023-24 could have him achieving his third MVP award
NFL legend Shannon Sharpe’s podcast guest had fans fuming after a take on NBA superstar Nikola Jokic.
Retired NBA All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas appeared on the Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and called the Denver Nuggets center Jokic “the worst MVP winner in (the last) 40 years”
Retired NBA star Gilbert Arenas (pictured right) slammed Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic on the Nightcap with Shannon SharpeCredit: X/NightcapShow_
Arenas has been critical in the past of Jokic, who won the 2020 and 2021 MVP Awards and 2022-23 Finals MVPCredit: Getty
Arenas has been known for his controversial takes on social media and during the hit podcast.
The former NBA star has also been critical of Jokic in the past.
Jokic won back-to-back MVPs in 2021 and 2022 as he also won NBA Finals MVP last season.
This week, Arenas appeared on his podcast alongside Sharpe as the two discussed the NBA.
The segment took a turn when they spoke about Jokic who’s on his way of possibly winning another MVP award.
“Jokic is probably, statistically, when it comes to overall game, the worst MVP winner,” Arenas said.
“He’s the worst MVP winner in the last 40 years.”
Sharpe then asked Arenas, “Why do you say that,” to which Arenas answered, saying, “When you’re talking about MVP, the guys outside of first and second place.. the people who won MVP, their teams was first and second (in their respective conference.”
Arenas’ believes that NBA MVP winner either have to produce jaw-dropping number for one of the top teams of a respective season or have a historic year.
“In 2021, Jokic’s team was fifth,” he said. “He averaged 26-8-10. What was the historic part of that?
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“His second MVP, his team was tied in 10th place, 10th-best record in the NBA, 27-8-13. What was historic about it?” Arenas added.
NBA fans weren’t pleased with Arenas’ comments on Jokic, with one saying, “Stop giving this guy a microphone.”
While another asked, “Is he serious?”
Jokic was the first NBA player ever to have 2,000 points, 1000 assists and 500 rebounds in a season during his first MVP season in 2020.
Jokic is among the favorites to win the 2023-24 MVP AwardCredit: Getty
The Serbian star put up better numbers in his second MVP campaign.
Jokic also helped the Nuggets finish with a 48-34 record despite the team dealing with injuries to stars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr in that season.
Jokic is among the favorites to win the 2023-24 MVP award.
He has averages of 26.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists per game.
With a 53-24 record, the Nuggets are just a half-a-game back from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference standings.
