Jalen Brunson makes his feelings clear on double standards around Nikola Jokic's MVP buzz

For years, fans and players have criticized the NBA MVP award for being so narrative-based.

There have never been objective criteria to determine who should win MVP and the media usually marries a narrative from start to finish.

That's why Jalen Brunson believes there's a double standard right now. In Monday's edition of his 'Roommates' show, he talked to Josh Hart about the bias around the award:

“[Denver’s] not seeded like last season, and people are still talking about [Jokic] being the MVP. When Luka was averaging damn near a triple-double, they were like ‘oh, he shouldn’t win MVP because of his seeding.'" he said.

Jokic is posting MVP-caliber numbers for the Denver Nuggets. He's averaging 31.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game while shooting 55 percent from the floor. However, with the Nuggets ranked fourth in the Western Conference, other players, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, may now be ranked higher on the MVP ladder.

Some argue that the MVP should be the best player in the league. Others say it should be reserved for the player with the better stats. Meanwhile, a few claim it should go to the best player on the best team.

There are as many criteria as voters, and more often than not, they seem to make up their minds just a couple of weeks into the season.

Jalen Brunson talks about facing playoff-caliber teams

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket against the Milwaukee Bucks. (Credits: IMAGN)

Notably, Jalen Brunson could and should also draw some MVP consideration of his own. He has been the best player for the No. 3-seeded New York Knicks, both on and off the court.

The Knicks struggled to keep up with the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, but it didn't take long before they bounced back by putting up 140 points on the Milwaukee Bucks. Following the win, Brunson talked about the importance of bringing their A-Game against playoff-caliber opposition:

“There’s just a sense of urgency to have energy and just be prepared, be locked in on the game. We were just out there doing whatever it took," Brunson said. “It was important for us to go out there and play as best we can. The defense, the way we saw it I was able to get in the paint and make plays. It could be different the next day, but the same mindset every time we go out, it has to be like that.”

There's still plenty of basketball to be played and the MVP race should continue to feature several stars.

Hopefully, voters will love Brunson's season, which has included 25.1 points, 7.5 assists and 2.9 rebounds. More importantly, the Knicks will continue to play this strong brand of basketball and make a deep postseason run.