After Game 1’s 31-point performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, former head coach of the Denver Nuggets praised the eventual award winner by saying he has “showed why he’s the MVP.”

Fans, critics, and media figures thought Michael Malone was firing shots at Nikola Jokic, as many believe Jokic and many within the organization wanted the former champion coach fired.

Ahead of Game 2, Malone cleared up the controversy and that he actually wanted Jokic to win the award; if won, it would have been his fourth in five seasons.

“I did vote for him again this year, if I had a vote,” Malone said of Jokic. “Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because right now, I’m getting a lot of heat back home.”

Malone was fired by Denver on April 8th, 2025. He was fired with three games remaining in the regular season. Interim coach, now permanent head coach, David Adelman led the team to the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They took OKC to seven before being eliminated.

According to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, the Philadelphia 76ers are seriously considering the idea of not trading Paul George and bringing him back for next season.

With him having an incredibly disappointing first season with Philadelphia, the 76ers do not want to trade him when his market is low. He still has three years left on his $212 million contract.

The Sixers are more concerned about Joel Embiid than they are about George, as, reports say, Embiid’s health determines their success and what kind of postseason they could have. Whereas with George, he’s more of a third option where they’ll be fine if his production is up and down.

After only appearing in 41 games, the 35-year-old averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. The last time George didn’t averaged 20 or more points per game was back in 2012-13 with the Indiana Pacers.

According to Jake Fischer, the Phoenix Suns are adding to their laundry list of issues and needs, as they are targeting a new starting center to go alongside Devin Booker and their soon-to-be remodeled roster.

Jusuf Nurkic flamed out after former head coach Mike Budenholzer no longer talked to him or cared to have a relationship with him. Phoenix then acquired Nick Richards for the remaining 36 games he was able to play in.

Despite giving up draft capital and an aging veteran for Richards, Phoenix desires for a new center that fits their starting lineup better. This would force Richards to be their backup. He is under contract through the 2025-26 season.

There has been no indication of when they’ll begin their search, or who they are even trying to pursue via trade or free agency this offseason.

Phoenix continues to search for a new head coach and what to do with Kevin Durant, who has been on the trade block/rumors since the deadline.