Shai Gilgeous-Alexander snubbed again as voter Stan Van Gundy names MVP pick

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NBA Awards remain one of the most debated aspects of the season.

The voting panel is made up of media members, broadcasters and analysts, rather than players and coaches. This group casts ballots for awards such as MVP, All-NBA teams and Defensive Player of the Year.

Still, some media members also have direct on-court experience, either as players or coaches. That is the case with Stan Van Gundy, who has now revealed his selections for this year’s awards.

Stan Van Gundy picks Nikola Jokic as MVP as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is overlooked again

Van Gundy has selected Nikola Jokic as his Most Valuable Player. The Denver Nuggets star continues to deliver historic production across the season.

Jokic is averaging numbers that surpass his previous MVP campaigns. He has also become just the second player in NBA history to average a triple double in back-to-back seasons. Only Russell Westbrook had previously achieved that feat.

The Serb’s consistency and statistical output have made a strong case in the eyes of many voters.

The decision adds to a growing pattern involving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The current MVP winner – widely seen as the favourite for the award, according to ESPN straw poll – has again been overlooked by an important figure, this time one directly involved in the voting process.

Previously, Dallas Mavericks centre Anthony Davis recently shared his own MVP ballot, placing Gilgeous-Alexander fourth while selecting Victor Wembanyama as his top choice. In that ranking, Jokic appeared second.

Despite Davis not being a voter, the divergence highlights how the award could feature an element of surprise.

Stan Van Gundy reveals full awards ballot

Van Gundy also outlined his other award selections during the Zach Lowe Show. His Defensive Player of the Year pick was Wembanyama.

He selected Cooper Flagg as Rookie of the Year, Keldon Johnson as Sixth Man of the Year and Nickeil Alexander-Walker as Most Improved Player.

However, there is still uncertainty around one of those picks. Wembanyama has not yet reached the 65-game eligibility threshold required for major awards consideration.