Mike Malone has spent a decade alongside Nikola Jokic, guiding the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 championship.
That background matters when Malone speaks about the MVP race. He has coached an all-time great and understands what separates elite production from genuine value across an entire season.
The debate has centred on familiar names, including Jokic, Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic. In that context, Malone has taken a clear stance on who deserves recognition for this campaign.
His view focuses on consistency, efficiency and late-game impact.
Mike Malone defends Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the 2025-26 MVP
Speaking on ESPN on Wednesday, Malone stated: “To me, he [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] has proven himself to be the best clutch player in the NBA.
“He’s got five game-tying or go ahead field goal attempts makes in the last 30 seconds. And he’s got a chance to be the first guard ever to average 30 points per game and shoot 55% from the field.
“You talk about consistency, 20 points every single night against a defense that is trying to game plan for you. No disrespect to Wemby, Nikola Jokic, everybody else. But I think SGA is incredible in his ability to impact the game in all shapes and forms.”
That argument is supported by production. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, while ranking as the league’s second-leading scorer behind Luka Doncic.
MVP Ladder shift highlights growing Victor Wembanyama challenge
Despite that consistency, the latest MVP Ladder shows a shift in momentum. Victor Wembanyama has moved into the No.1 spot as the season enters its final stretch.
The Spurs star’s rise reflects his two-way dominance. His defensive presence has become central to the debate, adding rim protection and versatility to elite scoring output.
Wembanyama’s late-season surge has reshaped the race. It introduces a different interpretation of value, where defensive impact also carries weight.
Malone’s stance ensures the discussion remains balanced, with Gilgeous-Alexander’s sustained excellence still firmly at the centre of the MVP conversation.
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