The NBA MVP race is often one of the most passionate debates among NBA enthusiasts and analysts alike. With the new season having kicked off, the debate is fresh on the table again. And where there is debate, there will always be ESPN’s beloved Stephen A. Smith. Known for his sometimes controversial and strong opinions, Stephen A.’s passion for the sport cannot be denied.

We find ourselves in the middle of the debate again as ESPN’s Jay Williams is confident that Nuggets‘ Nikola Jokic will take home the MVP title this season. But those that don’t agree with this, hold your horses, as Stephen A. got your back. He does not agree with Jay’s predictions. In fact, he has his own contenders for the prestigious accolade.

Giannis and Tatum for Stephen A.

On NBA First Take, Jay Williams was all for Nikola Jokic winning the MVP this season, his third one if it happens. A very confident Stephen A. says, “No, he’s not.” Although he does acknowledge Nikola’s skill and dominance on the court, Stephen A. has other names in mind for the MVP. He says, “I have no doubt about that. I can’t summarily dismiss that. I can tell you this: I’m looking at Giannis the Greek Freak and I’m looking at Jason Tatum and I see them as two bigger possibilities over Jokic for me.”

However, even between the two, Stephen A. thinks that Jayson Tatum is leaning more toward the MVP title; “I think it’s his time“, he says. But wait, there’s more on his list.

Although not a name that is usually heard in the MVP conversation, Stephen A. does what he loves most and predicts a name that will demand attention in the future; he finishes the conversation with, “He ain’t going to be in the MVP conversation, but he’s going to deserve to be – Devin Booker. Remember, I said that.”? And remember we shall.

Undeniably at the top

Jay Williams on the other hand, is totally in favor of Jokic. In fact, he believes that the Joker who won the title back to back in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, should have won last season and then another one this year, which would’ve made it a four-year streak for Jokic. But of course, that sounds too good to be true.

Also Read: Nikola Jokic?s Career Triple Double Games: What Is 2x MVP?s Position on the All-Time Triple-Double List?

Needless to say, Giannis, Tatum, and Jokic are all good contenders for the title; they have been popping up in all the top NBA lists. In ESPN’s top 100 NBA rank for 2023, Giannis made it to the top 1; Nikola and Tatum followed along with the top 2 and 7, respectively.

It will be exciting to see how the season plays out at the hands of these three powerhouses. Who do you think is most likely to grab the MVP title this season? Let us know.

Watch This Story: Spoilt for Choice Between LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic, WNBA Legend Sue Bird Might Have a Solution for Shaquille O?Neal