nba mvp

Mark Jackson Apologizes For Jokić MVP Snub

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MVP voting is always controversial. With limited spots on the ballots, some players are bound to be left off despite having a strong claim to the title. However, to say that Nikola Jokić was not deserving of the MVP title in 2023 at all is certainly a take.

Jokić put up an average of 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists in 69 regular-season games this season. While that is a significant dip in some categories from his MVP season last year, it’s still a fantastic season. He may have been 18th in scoring, but he was top-three in both rebounds and assists. However, that wasn’t good enough for former coach and broadcaster Mark Jackson, who left Jokić off his MVP ballot.

Jackson Apologizes, Calling Jokić Snub An “Honest Mistake”

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 19: Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors shouts instructions in the game with the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Jackson, who coached the Warriors between 2011 and 2014, had his ballot revealed along with all other voters on Thursday. His ballot featured Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Donovan Mitchell. Jackson claims that he simply forgot about Jokić when filling out his ballot. “One thing I live by, you make a mistake, you own it,” Jackson said in an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio’s Justin Termine and Eddie Johnson. “Absolute mistake made by me… In thinking how did I make that mistake: you can tell I put one center, two forwards and two guards. So I wasn’t even thinking.”

However, he quickly went on to apologize for the bizarre snub. “I apologize to the Denver Nuggets. I apologize to Nikola Jokić, who is not only in the MVP discussion and deserved to be on my ballot but he is one of the greatest players in the history of this game and a top-10 center of all time. So I own it. If you want to take away my vote or do whatever, more than welcome. I made a mistake.” While it’s nice that Jackson apologized, it’s still a bizarre snub. He remembered Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell but completely forgot about the star player on the #1 team in the Conference he used to coach in. Do you believe Jackson? Or do you think he’s not telling the truth about why Jokić was left off his ballot? Let us know in the comments.

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NBA MVP Voting Ends Historic Streak

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On May 2, the NBA officially announced Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid as the 2022-23 MVP. For most of the season, it seemed as though the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic would become the fourth player in NBA history to win back-to-back-to-back MVPs. However, Embiid pulled away in the final weeks of the season to cap off a career year with the MVP title.

Jokic finished second behind Embiid, earning 15 first-place votes. Behind him was the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo with 12 first-place votes. The top five was rounded by Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder). However, with these five players earning MVP nominations, it put an end to a historic streak.

LeBron Misses Out On MVP Votes For First Time Ever

There is no debating that LeBron James is one of the greatest players to every pick up a basketball. He entered the league 20 years ago as a fresh-faced 18-year-old out of St Vincent-St Mary’s High School in Akron, Ohio. However, his impact was immediately felt around the league. Even as a rookie, LeBron finished 9th in MVP voting. Over the next 19 seasons, he has four MVP titles. In 2021, he broke the record for the most number of seasons receiving MVP votes. The previous record was set at 17 by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Last year, LeBron received a single vote for MVP, setting his streak at 19 seasons. That was despite only playing 56 games for the Lakers.

However, with LeBron receiving zero votes for the 2022-23 season, his historic streak is over. It is the first time in the legend’s career that he has not received at least one MVP vote. It does not come as a surprise to many though. LeBron saw an overall decline across the board statistically in a season significantly impacted by injury. While LeBron is showing no sign of retiring and has publicly stated that he wants to at least share the court with his son, Bronny, his days of MVP consideration may be over. Despite this, LeBron could be in line for another ring this year. His Lakers are currently 1-0 up against the Warriors in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

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Kevin Durant’s Hot Take On MVP Award

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Kevin Durant knows how it feels to be called the greatest player in the league. The Phoenix Suns star once held that honor as an MVP award winner. Now Durant is speaking on where the award currently sits in this day and age. In a recent episode of the Boardroom, Durant expressed concern about the prestigious award. This season, the MVP honor will be decided between former winners Giannis and Jokic, as well as a new frontrunner in, Joel Embiid.

In the discussion, Durant mentioned that the mystique of the award is gone. “It still matters … [but] the mystique of being an MVP is not what it once was.” The former MVP talked about how nothing is kept secret anymore. In any field or any sports league, everyone knows everything that is going on. However, just because the magic Durant once felt for the award is gone doesn’t mean it isn’t essential. Durant mentions that you still have to put in the work to be known as the best player in the game.

Kevin Durant Misses Magic Of MVP Award

Durant’s statement on the MVP discussion being talked about too much, rings true. Because the final month of the regular season was exhausting as the media discussed their picks for the award. Every day seemed like a new take was catching headlines on the award. However, this is the world we live in now. Everyone can have an answer at the touch of their fingertips. So, not knowing the winner of the award immediately could start impatient fans continuing to look for the answer.

The MVP award winner will soon be announced. However, something tells me that the media and fans will already be discussing the favorites for next year’s winner. We live in a fast-paced world that demands answers immediately. But sometimes, the wait is what makes the award announcement that much sweeter. That is one of the moments I believe Kevin Durant was speaking on when he mentioned the mystique of the award. So, do you agree with Durant’s comments on the MVP award? Drop your thoughts in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

NBA MVP Finalist Announced, Twitter Reacts

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The NBA MVP Award will soon find its owner. The league recently announced the three finalists for the prestigious award. Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the finalist for the 2023 edition. However, it is no surprise that those are the names associated with the MVP award this season. But it has been highly discussed about which one will be taking home the award. Jokic and Giannis are two-time award winners. As Jokic has won the award in back-to-back seasons.

But a lot of people believe it is finally time for Embiid to be awarded the achievement. Embiid has had an amazing season and has spoken about the award recently. The Sixers star wants to win the award but knows it isn’t the end of the world if he doesn’t. Although, for a while, it didn’t seem like Embiid was paying much attention to the MVP race. However, that all changed during a recent interview. Embiid discussed the importance of the award. Also, mentioning how much it would mean to win the award.

NBA MVP Award Has Twitter In Debate

It seems that the entire NBA fanbase is torn on who should be the winner. The award has been talked about this season more than any other. Recently, former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins even discussed how Jokic doesn’t deserve the award for a third straight season. A case can be made for each finalist this season. All three will be leading their team’s into the NBA Playoffs. However, the voting for the award is already officially over. So playoff performances will not be taken into account.

The heated debate will officially come to an end soon. Following the MVP talk has been an exhausting task. However, the league will be in good hands with whoever is announced as the winner. The stars seem to be aligning for Embiid to be the winner. But nothing is set in stone until the official announcement. Who do you believe is the 2023 NBA MVP? Do you feel that someone got snubbed from being a finalist? Please leave us your thoughts on the MVP race in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Joel Embiid Is Done With MVP Talk, Focused On NBA Title

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Joel Embiid has been among the discussions for the NBA MVP Award this entire season. The debates on the award have become exhausting. However, Embiid understands just how important the award is. But the time for talking about the award is over for Embiid. The Philadelphia Sixers star says he’s ready to put his focus on winning the NBA Championship. Although grabbing both accolades would be a perfect way for any player to cap off a successful season.

In a recent interview with Marcus J. Spears of Andscape, Embiid commented on everything that goes into being an MVP candidate. “A lot has been said, and a lot of people haven’t been happy about how the whole thing has been going on, about how people keep bashing each other and all that stuff. Where was all that [sympathy for me]? People kept bashing me the last two seasons, putting me down. But now other guys are being put down, now it’s an issue.” The pressure of being in the conversation can weigh heavy on anyone. But Embiid is ready to move on.

Joel Embiid Chasing First NBA Title

Embiid and the Sixers will begin their quest to the NBA Finals this Saturday. Awaiting the Sixers in the first round will be the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets were a pleasant playoff surprise this year. Since the team traded Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, many didn’t believe they stood a chance. However, the Nets proved everyone wrong by taking the sixth seed. But the Nets will have their hands full with this Sixers team. Brooklyn may not have one person on the roster that can contain Embiid’s dominance.

Embiid is ready for the time for talk to be over. Honestly, the whole NBA world is ready for the MVP race to be called. The dissecting of the league’s best players can become a microscopic snoozefest rather quickly. However, there will be a winner announced. But the name of that winner has yet to stand above the rest. Will this finally be the year Joel Embiid becomes the MVP of the NBA? Tell us who you think will win the MVP in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Joel Embiid Admits He Cares About MVP Award

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Joel Embiid has finally admitted the worst-kept secret in the NBA. The Sixers star recently sat down with Rachel Nichols on her show Headliners. During the interview, Embiid finally publicly stated his desire to be the league MVP. Including saying that those who say he doesn’t care about the award are not telling the truth. Of course, Embiid wants to be MVP. Why wouldn’t he want the accolade that goes to only the greatest players in league history?

Embiid has simply been phenomenal this season for the Philadelphia Sixers. The Philly big man has put up monster numbers this season. Including toppling his career average in points. Embiid closed out the 2022-23 regular season averaging 33 points per game. That number is well over his career average, which is currently at 27. Embiid has been a constant dominant force for the Sixers. Stephen A. Smith even believes that he is the most valuable player on any roster in the league.

Joel Embiid Wants His Moment As MVP

Embiid’s own head coach Doc Rivers believes the Sixers big man is the choice for the award. After an incredible performance against the Celtics in the last week of the season, Rivers gave his stamp of approval. However, the MVP Award isn’t necessarily Embiid’s to lose. The discussion on the award has been a heated one over the last few months. As many believe Nikola Jokic could be in the running for his third straight MVP Award. Also, some are ready to crown Giannis with his third MVP award.

Whatever the final decision is, all three players have been amazing this season. But the job is not finished. All three potential MVP Award winners will be a part of the NBA Playoffs. Joel Embiid and Jokic are still looking for their first Finals appearance. But Giannis is looking to add another ring to his already incredible trophy collection. Do you think Embiid has finally done enough to be MVP? If not Embiid, then who should be MVP? Please give us your predictions on the MVP Award in the comment section. For the latest news regarding the NBA MVP race, keep it right here with HNHH.

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DeMarcus Cousins Signs With Puerto Rican Basketball League

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DeMarcus Cousins isn’t finished with his playing career. The former NBA big man has decided to take his talents to Puerto Rico. Cousins has signed with the Guaynabo Mets of the Puerto Rican Professional Basketball League. Cousins’ last appearance in the NBA came in the 2021-22 season with the Denver Nuggets. In his time in Denver, Cousins played in 31 games, 8 points, and 5 rebounds. On Monday, Cousins made waves with his statement on former Nuggets teammate Nikola Jokic.

During a sit down with Kevin Garnett on SHOWTIME Basketball, Cousins gave his opinion on who is the NBA MVP. The former Sacramento Kings star felt one player, in particular, doesn’t deserve the award. That one player being the back-to-back winner of the award, Jokic. Cousins is of the belief that Jokic can’t win three MVP awards without winning a championship. Definitely a strong take on a talented player. But it is true, Jokic is still chasing that elusive championship.

DeMarcus Cousins Continues Playing Career

Cousins still feels like he can go. Also, Cousins feels he can still contribute to an NBA team. The former Kentucky Wildcat is certain he can still play at the highest level. Cousins has been a dominant force in the past. However, injuries have plagued the last few years of his career. The big man hasn’t played over 60 games in an NBA season since 2016-17. Many teams believe Cousins to be a liability with his injury history. But the talent is still there. Now it’s time to see him in action once again. Which could be the reasoning for his latest move.

DeMarcus Cousins has the mindset that every athlete should have. Cousins has the heart of a competitor. Maybe a stint in Puerto Rico will show teams around the NBA that he still has the talent. Do you believe we will see Cousins back in the NBA? If so, where would be the best landing spot for the former lottery pick? Please give us your predictions on Cousins’ future in the comment section. For the latest news involving the NBA, keep it locked in right here at HNHH.

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DeMarcus Cousins Takes Shot At Nikola Jokic: Video

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DeMarcus recently was a host on SHOWTIME Basketball. During his appearance with Kevin Garnett, the two discussed Nikola Jokic. Jokic is the reigning back-to-back winner of the NBA MVP Award. There have been a lot of heated discussions about the MVP Award this season. Many believe that it is finally time to crown Joel Embiid with the prestigious award. However, other’s believe that Jokic could earn the award for a third straight time. For Cousins, he isn’t sure the time is right for Jokic to earn the award.

“He hasn’t won anything. He hasn’t been to a final.” That was the biggest statement to come from the Cousins interview. However, the former NBA star didn’t completely rule out Jokic winning the award again. But he did say that at this point in his career, Jokic isn’t deserving of the award. Both of the NBA MVP Award frontrunners are ringless. Jokic being the only one of the two to compete in a Conference Final. But both have a great opportunity to erase that stigma from their careers this postseason.

DeMarcus Cousins Believes A New Player Will Win The MVP

The body of work has already been put in for the NBA MVP Award. Many were ready to hand Embiid the award last week after a dominating performance over the Celtics. However, it does feel as if the winner could be a toss-up between Embiid and Jokic. Even Giannis could receive some votes for the award. However, it does feel like the award is trending toward Embiid’s to lose. The debate has been fierce, with great points from both camps.

The NBA MVP Award will always be a hot discussion topic. The award means so much to so many people. However, Embiid isn’t worried about winning the award. He recently mentioned that he has done everything he can to win the award. If he is chosen great, if not, on to the next one. An NBA Finals featuring the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers would be one of the biggest matchups in recent times. Maybe it would be the true deciding factor on who the better player has been this season. Do you agree with DeMarcus Cousins Let us know in the comment sections. For more news on the latest involving the MVP Award, keep it right here at HNHH.

Stephen A. Smith Reveals Who Has Earned His MVP Vote: Video

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Stephen A. Smith is ready to make his 2023 NBA MVP vote. The larger-than-life media personality believes Joel Embiid has been the best this season. Smith’s opinion is hard to argue. Especially after Embiid’s performance last night. The Sixers star dazzled fans last night in the team’s 103-101 victory over the Boston Celtics. Embiid finished the game with 52 points and 13 rebounds. A performance that even had Embiid’s head coach Doc Rivers ready to give his superstar the award.

The MVP debate has been hotly contested during the second half of the season. Fans have had a hard time deciding between Nikola Jokic and Embiid. Jokic is the back-to-back winner of the MVP award. Which has many thinking it is time for the league to crown a new MVP. It wouldn’t come as surprise to anyone if Jokic won the award again this season. However, after last night’s performance, it feels as if the award is Embiid’s for the first time in his career. Smith made his choice aware to the public on Wednesday’s edition of ESPN’s First Take.

Stephen A. Smith Says It’s Time To Crown Embiid

On Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith named the Boston Celtics his top team in the NBA. So when your top team loses to an MVP candidate, the answer is clear. Embiid has had a monster season in the scoring category. The Sixers star’s career scoring average is 27 points per game. This season Embiid is averaging nearly 34 points per game. A huge jump in scoring production. However, the one thing on Embiid’s mind isn’t the MVP award. The superstar big man is hungry for his first chance at an NBA Championship.

Embiid’s 2023 campaign has been one for the record books. The seven-year veteran should be able to celebrate a great season even without an NBA Finals appearance. Just don’t let him know that. The MVP race is just days from wrapping up, and voters are letting their opinions be heard. Is Smith correct in his choice for MVP? Or does Jokic deserve the award for a third straight season? Maybe you even have someone other than the two frontrunners who deserve the nomination. Let us know your thoughts on the MVP race in the comment section below. For the latest NBA news, stay right here at HNHH.

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Joel Embiid Drops 52, Doc Rivers Makes Bold Claim About MVP Race

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The NBA MVP race has been heating up over the regular season’s final weeks. The consensus opinion was that Nikola Jokic was set to be the first three-peat MVP since Larry Bird. However, a career season by Sixers center Joel Embiid has made the race much closer. Embiid has been in the MVP conversation for the past few years, even if he has personally shunned award talk. Even as Embiid stayed focused on winning, experts began to back him for MVP. In late March, oddsmakers made Embiid odds-on favorite to win the award.

Embiid’s most recent feat of heroics came against the Boston Celtics. Embiid dropped a 52-point double-double in a 103-101 win. The win kept the Sixers in the race for the Eastern Conference’s second seed. In regards to Embiid’s MVP status, no one was more convinced following Tuesday’s win than Sixers head coach Doc Rivers. Rivers is in his third season leading the Sixers, improving year-on-year in the regular season but never progressing past the Conference Semifinals. But with Embiid’s transcendence, could this be the year?

Doc Rivers Declares MVP Race “Over”

Doc Rivers didn’t mince words when talking about Embiid’s performance, declaring that “the MVP race is over”. It’s a bold, almost hyperbolic statement on its own, but Rivers was sure to back up his claim. “The man just scored half our points,” Rivers said while acknowledging that it was a difficult win. However, the veteran head coach was not the only person to voice their support for Embiid.

“Joel should win it,” said James Harden, who scored 20 points in the win, “he’s been really consistent this year”. If Joel Embiid does win, he would be the first Sixer to be named MVP since Allen Iverson in the 2000/01 season. The Sixers have three games left to play in the regular season. They face Miami at home before playing the Hawks and Nets on the road. In the standings, Philadelphia is third in the East, two games behind the Boston Celtics. With the second seed still within reach, Doc Rivers is likely to keep letting Embiid shine.

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