The most heated debate in the NBA in recent weeks concerns the identity of the MVP: Joel Embiid now appears to be the favorite, but Nikola Jokic is of course in the picture as well, after his wonderful season.
If the Denver star completes the historic feat, he will join Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird as the only players ever to win the MVP award three years in a row.
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Demarcus Cousins, who worked with the Serbian in Denver, prefers that the title goes to another player.
"It doesn't matter in my opinion that he will win three MVP titles in a row," he said.
"Then it becomes a discussion of 'Is this the best player ever?'
And I think we can all agree he's not. I'm not saying he can't become one, but at this point in his career, it's not appropriate."
Jokic, let's recall, led Denver to the best balance in the West, with averages of 24.5 points (63 percent from the field, 38 percent from 3, 82 percent from the free), 11.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists, but Cousins claims: "He still hasn't won any Nothing, didn't even make the finals. That's my concern. Three straight wins? That would put him above the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Oljawan, Tim Duncan, Willett. That's a tough conversation to have, considering what all those guys have done. Is it possible To sit here and say that Jokic is one of the best players of all time? It's not comfortable for me to talk like that."
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Who is the MVP of the season?
Joel Embiid
Nikola Jokic
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Other
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Former Denver coach George Karl sounded more condescending and tweeted last night: "I've been watching Jokic for six years. I think the best thing I can say about him is that I have no idea how I would guard him. The only two times I felt that way was when I played against Michael G. Verdun and Shaquille O'Neal".
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Nikola Jokic
Demarcus Cousins
