4x All-Star does not want his former teammate Nikola Jokic to win 3rd MVP

Nikola Jokic is one of the most-talked-about NBA superstars right now. The Denver Nuggets center could make history this season by winning his third MVP award in a row.

While Jokic has been playing at a supremely high level, not everyone believes that the Serbian big man should win the MVP award.

In a new episode of "KG Certified", DeMarcus Cousins shared why he doesn't feel comfortable choosing Jokic as his MVP this season.

"I'm not okay with it being three MVPs in a row because it then becomes a conversation of 'is this the best basketball player to ever touch a basketball?' And I think we can all agree on that and say it's not. I'm not saying he can't be, not saying he doesn't deserve more down the road.

"At this stage in his career, I'm not okay with saying that. He hasn't won anything. He hasn't been to a final. That's my only concern...

"We're putting him over the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan and Wilt Chamberlain. That's a tough conversation to have, because we've seen what these guys have done. We've seen how their careers have panned out. So, can we sit here and say right now that Jokic is not only the best big, but the best basketball player ever. With three MVPs in a row? I'm not comfortable saying that."

Cousins, a four-time All-Star, last played for the Denver Nuggets in the 2021-22 season, when he served as the backup center. Cousins played 31 games and averaged 8.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.

You might also be interested in reading this: "Yea that trophy just slid to Philly"- NBA fans destroy Nikola Jokic after a horrendous performance against the Rockets

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A leaked image of MVP voting has Joel Embiid ahead of Nikola Jokic

Joel Embiid next to Nikola Jokic

The MVP race this season is one of the closest in the history of the NBA. Both Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid have a case for winning the award. However, a leaked photo online showed that Embiid is leading the race.

It's unclear whether this is an official list. Out of the 12 voters, Embiid got eight first-place votes, while Jokic only had two.