Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets earned his third MVP in four years on Wednesday night, a massive accomplishment that only a few other NBA stars have achieved.
But did he deserve it or should the award have gone to someone else?
Speaking on Thursday’s episode of “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith said that the lead star of the Oklahoma City Thunder should have been named Most Valuable Player.
“I don’t see how [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] didn’t get this award. He deserved it,” Smith said.
"I don't see how [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] didn't get this award. He deserved it."
â@stephenasmith on the NBA MVP award 
pic.twitter.com/vNhPY34N7Y
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 9, 2024
Smith dug into his opinion about why Gilgeous-Alexander deserved the award and spoke about the success that the Thunder had this year.
Despite being a very young team, the Thunder fought hard thanks to Gilgeous-Alexnader’s leadership and eventually earned the top seed in the Western Conference.
That alone is a reason why he should have been deemed MVP.
This might end up being one of the most controversial MVP races of all time.
It started with Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers as the clear favorite to win the prize but he was later eliminated from contention after not playing 65 games.
Then the race came down to Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.
In the end, Jokic won the coveted prize but there are many debates about that choice.
Smith said that he didn’t vote for Jokic and tried to give the trophy to Gilgeous-Alexander.
It didn’t work this year but now everyone agrees that it’s likely only a matter of time before the Oklahoma City superstar becomes MVP.
However, based on how well his team is playing right now, there is a chance that he will become a champion before Most Valuable Player.
The post Stephen A. Smith Says 1 NBA Player Deserved The MVP Award appeared first on The Cold Wire.
