Former Nuggets Coach Malone Clarifies Jokic MVP Support on ESPN

Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, who was fired shortly before the playoffs despite leading the team to an NBA championship, publicly expressed support for Nikola Jokić as the rightful MVP, stating he would have voted for Jokić if given the chance. However, Malone also praised Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance during the Western Conference Finals, which sparked controversy and backlash from Nuggets fans and analysts who viewed his comments as petty or a sign of bitterness over his dismissal. Malone's ESPN analyst role covering the Thunder, who eliminated the Nuggets, further fueled speculation about his motivations and loyalty. Former Nuggets coach George Karl criticized Malone for not fully supporting Jokić, emphasizing the importance of backing a player like Jokić publicly. The situation has ignited debate among fans and pundits regarding Malone's intentions and the dynamics between former coaches and star players post-firing. Despite the controversy, Malone continues to cover the NBA as an analyst while navigating the fallout from his remarks.