JJ Redick Explains Why He Voted Nikola Jokic For 2023-24 NBA MVP

It's hard to dispute anyone's MVP vote this season if it goes to one of Jokic, Doncic, or Shai. All three players have had phenomenal seasons, with SGA and Jokic tying for 57 wins in one of the most competitive Western Conferences ever. Doncic ended with 50 wins, but his statistical dominance blew both SGA and Jokic out of the water.

Doncic averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists this season, while Shai put up 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. Jokic's numbers might look less appealing compared to them, averaging 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, but Jokic has once again dominated the advanced stats, leading the NBA for win shares, player efficiency rating, and value over replacement player.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander And Nikola Jokic Reacted To This Season's MVP Race

The MVP race this season has been heated, with Jokic and Shai competing against each other all season long before Doncic's improved Mavericks allowed him to return to the conversation. While Doncic hasn't given any major answer on what this year's MVP race is shaping up to be, both Jokic and Shai have discussed it in recent weeks.

Shai admitted his desire to win the trophy but recognized that his contenders could win it and be just as deserving.

"I hope I get it, yes. I think all the guys are deserving, all have their case. Whatever happens, happens. But whoever gets it is deserving for sure." 

Jokic isn't new to the MVP conversation, blasting the narratives being spread this year and believing that other players deserve the award more than him.

"I think the whole MVP conversation is getting out of control,” said Jokic. “I think I'm playing good basketball... I think a couple of guys deserve to have the award."

MVP agendas are often pushed by the people around a player. The entire Mavericks organization started wearing 'Pravi MVP' t-shirts to honor Luka, with the Jordan Brand even using the term for a billboard campaign ahead of the playoffs. Shai and Jokic have had multiple coaches and teammates vouch for their MVP case in public.

People can downplay it, but winning the MVP is an honor. It looks like Jokic will pick up his third MVP honor in four years, but Luka and Shai might just be perennial contenders in this race.