“It’s f**ked up,” Kevin Garnett in disbelief ahead of Nikola Jokic potential MVP snub after stunning season
NBA legend Kevin Garnett was left stunned after coming across the NBA MVP conversations regarding Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Nikola Jokic and Kevin Garnett
It has been amazing to watch Nikola Jokic dominate in the NBA. A star who has a good chance of recording a triple-double in every game. This makes him a clear contender for the NBA MVP award. However, Jokic is not the only one this time around. Going toe-to-toe with him is the Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Not only that, SGA is reportedly edging Jokic for the MVP award despite the Nuggets star putting up astronomical numbers. This has left former NBA players like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in disbelief. Both stars did not shy away from letting out their opinion on this matter. Garnett claimed that he could not see Jokic ‘not winning’ the award after witnessing his numbers this season.
It’s f**ked up – how does [Jokic] not get it?
On the KG Certified Podcast, Kevin Garnett said
KG and Paul Pierce discuss the Jokic/Shai MVP race.
— n i k o l a e s t h e t i c (@nikolaesthetic) April 4, 2025
"It's f**ked up – how does [Jokic] not get it?" pic.twitter.com/fccM62JiwF
This is gonna be the best numbers in the history of the game did not get the NBA MVP Award!
His co-host and partner, Paul Pierce also added
The Thunder guard was ranked first in an ESPN survey. However, it may be too soon to declare him the MVP. Gilgeous-Alexander received 77 out of 100 first-place votes in the aforementioned survey. This sizable lead indicates that there is broad agreement on his exceptional season-long accomplishments. However, personalities like Garnett and Pierce disagree with this.
As for the Nuggets star, he keeps giving his side outstanding performances. He most recently recorded a 61-point triple-double in a losing performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although Jokic is still a strong candidate, the Thunder guard is currently leading the MVP debate.
Not the FIRST time Kevin Garnett has sided with Nikola Jokic in the MVP conversations
Former NBA player Kevin Garnett has been praising Nikola Jokic all season. So much to that Garnett made his intentions clear about the star several times on his podcast show. This season, Jokic’s output is on par with that of one of the greatest players in history. Garnett likened the remarkable season of the Denver Nuggets star to that of Wilt Chamberlain on his “KG: Certified” podcast.
He’s Wilt, Joker’s Wilt. Joker is doing Wilt-like s—. No athleticism, really, slow-rolling going at his own pace. It’s not a miracle, but when you watch it – it’s efficient.
Kevin Garnett said
Kevin Garnett: “Joker is Wilt.”
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 27, 2025
(via @kg_certified) pic.twitter.com/MWmhCTRif6
At 29.7 points per game, Jokic is presently third in the league; he is third in the league in rebounds as well (13.1), second in assists (10.0), and, oddly enough, fourth in steals (1.8 per game). The majority of MVP candidates’ statistical resumes contain weaknesses.
Jokic is exceptional in almost everything he does. Despite this, OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA MVP award battle, something that Jokic would have to look into soon. It remains to be seen who clinches the MVP award between the two stars.
NBA legend makes clear case on Nuggets star Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic‘s impressive performances over the last 2-3 years have made him one of the most elite players in the NBA. Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal put the Joker in ‘great company’ when he talked about the Denver Nuggets star in a segment called “Shaq’s Shaq-A-Licious Hot Takes.” O’Neal claimed that Jokic is not just a fantastic center for the modern game, but he is already among the top five centers in NBA history.
No, he’s already a champ, he has access to the building. If he wants to get to open more floors, I’ll motivate him, but he plays the right way. Very unselfish, very humble guy.
Shaquille O’Neal said on The Big Podcast
Shaq’s Shaq-A-Licious Hot Takes:
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) April 4, 2025
1. Nikola Jokic is already a top five center of all-time 😳
2. Steph Curry is more influential than LeBron James 👀 pic.twitter.com/XjcnTwCDDd
O’Neal’s claim that Jokic is among the greatest centers of all time is a noteworthy praise from one of the game’s most dominant big men. It says volumes about the Nuggets star’s influence that he put Jokic in such exclusive company, with greats such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and himself.