DeMarcus Cousins' Controversial Take on Nikola Jokic's MVP Chances

APRIL 11, 2023 16:00

by FARUK IMAMOVIC | VIEW 426

DeMarcus Cousins' Controversial Take on Nikola Jokic's MVP Chances *(Provided by Sport World News)*

Recently, Nikola Jokic's former teammate in Denver, DeMarcus Cousins, made a surprising statement about the Serbian basketball player's chances of winning the MVP award. In a podcast with Kevin Garnett, Cousins shared his thoughts on Jokic's fight for the third consecutive MVP title.

The MVP Debate: Is Jokic the GOAT?

Cousins, who is now a free agent, stated that he did not believe Jokic was a player who should receive the award for the most valuable player in the NBA this year. He argued that if Jokic were to win the MVP award, it could lead to the assumption that he is the best basketball player of all time (GOAT), which in Cousins' opinion, is not the case.

"At this Stage in His Career, I'm Not OK with Saying That"

"I am not okay with it being three MVPs in a row because then it becomes a conversation, 'Is this the best basketball player to ever touch a basketball?' I think we can all agree that he's not.

Not saying he can't be, not saying he doesn't deserve more down the road, but at this stage in his career, I am not okay with saying that. He has not won anything, he hasn't been to the Finals. There are a lot of things still in play for him.

That's my only concern. At this point, he's the best center of all time. Three in a row? We're putting him over the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, and Wilt Chamberlain, that's a tough conversation to have because we have seen what these guys have done.

Can we sit right here and say Jokic not only is the best big ever, but the best basketball player ever with three MVPs in a row? I am not comfortable saying that," Cousins said, drawing significant attention with his statement.

Demarcus Cousins says he’s not comfortable with Nikola Jokic winning three MVPs in a row because that would put him in the G.O.A.T conversation

“He hasn’t won anything”.

(Via @shobasketball )

pic.twitter.com/KzE5WMPBKW — NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 10, 2023

Nuggets Await Their Playoff Opponent

The Denver Nuggets have the roster to make a deep playoff run, with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.

both back on the team and healthy. The team is currently awaiting their playoff opponent, who will emerge from the play-in tournament. If Jokic were to win the Finals MVP, it would solidify his status as an all-time great and possibly the best center since Shaquille O'Neal.

However, players like Joel Embiid also want that recognition, making it clear that all legacy battles can only be settled in the playoffs with championship success.