Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has voiced his skepticism regarding Nikola Jokic’s third MVP win, citing the Serbian center’s role as not the primary option in clutch situations for the Denver Nuggets.
Despite Jokic’s stellar performances throughout the season, Arenas argues that the Nuggets often rely on Jamal Murray as their go-to player in critical moments.
According to Arenas, Murray assumes the role of the number-one option when it comes to delivering clutch plays, which diminishes Jokic’s claim to the MVP title.
“[Jamal Murray] is the guy who [Nikola] Jokic relies on to hit those buckets. He becomes the number-one option… So you’re giving the MVP to a guy when it counts has to give it to another guy,” Arenas said.
While Jokic emerged victorious in the MVP voting, defeating formidable contenders like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, Arenas believes that the award should be bestowed upon a player who serves as the primary catalyst for their team’s success.
