NBA MVP Voter Reveals Controversial Decision

Kendrick Perkins did not vote Nikola Jokic for MVP

Dec 16, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Voters are beginning to submit their ballots for the 2024 NBA MVP award, and one voter revealed his reasoning for choosing OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, ESPN analyst and former NBA player Kendrick Perkins wrote, "Jokic, Luka and Brunson are all deserving of the MVP… but Shai leading the second youngest team to the best record in an absolutely STACKED Western Conference while putting up numbers like MJ and Steph did during their MVP seasons is the reason HE is the MVP of the league!!! It’s also the reasons why [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] got my vote for MVP!!! Carry the hell on…"

With the ballots that have been coming out, it seems Jokic is receiving most of the first place votes, but Perkins chose to go with Gilgeous-Alexander. This is a controversial decision, as most seem to be in agreement that Jokic is the league's most valuable player this season. That said, Gilgeous-Alexander was absolutley incredible, and is certainly deserving of consideration.

Gilgeous-Alexander's rise to superstardom has been incredible to watch. Taking the Thunder from the play-in tournament to the first seed is an incredible accomplishment, which is one of the many reasons Gilgeous-Alexander will almost certainly be a finalist for the award even if he does not win it.

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