One of the most compelling NBA MVP races in recent memory is coming down to the wire, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> star Nikola Jokic and Oklahoma City Thunder’s breakout sensation Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battling for the league’s top individual honor.



NBA insider Bill Simmons has weighed in—casting his vote for Jokic. On The Bill Simmons Podcast, he cited the Nuggets star’s statistical dominance, particularly his near triple-double average, as the deciding factor.



“I voted for Jokic. I thought it was the best offensive season I’ve seen since Jordan—what he did game after game, quarter after quarter,” Simmons said. “All the stuff he did for that team… To be top three in points, rebounds, and assists is bonkers. I just can’t believe it. And it’s not like he was padding stats like Westbrook did in 2017.”



Simmons’ argument holds weight. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic">Jokic</a> has continued to evolve into a historically dominant player, with his numbers steadily improving year after year. If he doesn’t win MVP this season despite averaging a triple-double, it would mark the first time in NBA history a player with such production doesn’t receive the award.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27155514/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-of-the-Oklahoma-City-Thunder-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-of-the-Oklahoma-City-Thunder" class="wp-image-269564" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-of-the-Oklahoma-City-Thunder</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Why Simmons chose Jokic</h2>



Simmons admits the choice wasn’t easy, but a particular performance tipped the scale—a rare 60-point triple-double that solidified Jokic’s place in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/spurs-star-chris-paul-opens-up-about-his-future-and-retirement-plans" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250418_BUS_379296_GettyImages-2209594559-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="San Antonio Spurs star Chris Paul spoke about his future and addressed the possibility of retirement from the NBA.
" title="Spurs’ star Chris Paul opens up about his future and retirement plans" publication_id="BUS#/nba/spurs-star-chris-paul-opens-up-about-his-future-and-retirement-plans"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/kawhi-leonard-gets-real-on-his-mindset-ahead-of-clippers-nba-playoff-opener-vs-nuggets" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250417_BUS_378789_kawhi-leonard-1-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The Los Angeles Clippers are locked in and ready to compete in the NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, and Kawhi Leonard has delivered a clear message about what’s fueling him.
" title="Kawhi Leonard gets real on his mindset ahead of Clippers’ NBA Playoff opener vs. Nuggets" publication_id="BUS#/nba/kawhi-leonard-gets-real-on-his-mindset-ahead-of-clippers-nba-playoff-opener-vs-nuggets"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/jamal-murray-praises-clippers-james-harden-teammate-ahead-of-playoffs" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250418_BUS_378969_GettyImages-2151819024-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray spoke about the surprise factor the Los Angeles Clippers have in one of James Harden’s teammates ahead of their playoff matchup.
" title="Jamal Murray praises Clippers’ James Harden teammate ahead of playoffs" publication_id="BUS#/nba/jamal-murray-praises-clippers-james-harden-teammate-ahead-of-playoffs"></div>


“I was leaning there, leaning there, and then that 60-10-10 game—I was just like, ‘This is it,’” Simmons said. “We may never see anything like this again. I just had to pick him.”



Denver closed the regular season with a 50-32 record, fourth in the Western Conference, while <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder">Oklahoma City</a> topped the league at 68-14. But for Simmons, the win-loss column didn’t tell the full story.



<h2>Simmons on the MVP Narrative</h2>



The Ringer founder also addressed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shai-gilgeous-alexander">Gilgeous-Alexander</a>’s remarkable season, acknowledging SGA’s historic guard play while pointing to Jokic’s impact with a less dynamic supporting cast.



“The problem with the SGA candidacy—and he’s been amazing, we’ve talked about it—he’s having one of the best offensive seasons ever for a guard,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-simmons">Simmons</a> said. “But if you gave Jokic the roster SGA has from two through twelve, I’m pretty sure he wins 65 to 70 games too. And that’s where it gets dicey.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-legend-magic-johnsons-bold-take-on-kareem-abdul-jabbars-nba-legacy-nobodys-even-close" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250418_BUS_379209_Magic-Kareem.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was one of the greatest players in NBA history, and now his former teammate with the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson, has shared a glowing opinion about him.
" title="Lakers legend Magic Johnson shares bold take on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy: ‘Nobody’s even close’" publication_id="BUS#/nba/lakers-legend-magic-johnsons-bold-take-on-kareem-abdul-jabbars-nba-legacy-nobodys-even-close"></div>


Simmons wrapped up with a strong statement about legacy: “What are you going to remember from this season? For me, it’s what Jokic did with this messed-up Nuggets team. They fired their coach with a week left—and he still had the greatest offensive season I’ve seen since Jordan.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6802ce7a6322de585807accc" data-title="Who is gonna win the MVP?" data-options="3"></div>

NBA Insider makes bold case for why Jokic deserves MVP over Gilgeous-Alexander

Jamal Murray praises Clippers’ James Harden teammate ahead of playoffs

Kawhi Leonard gets real on his mindset ahead of Clippers’ NBA Playoff opener vs. Nuggets

NBA Insider makes bold case for why Jokic deserves MVP over Gilgeous-Alexander - Bolavip US

thumbnail

Jimmy Butler has found himself in the middle of intense trade speculation in recent days, with rumors of his potential departure from the Miami Heat gaining traction. The buzz escalated after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> analyst and podcaster Bill Simmons dropped a significant hint during one of his recent shows.



“I want to see what happens with the Butler trade. Butler is clearly — this is happening soon,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-simmons">Simmons</a> stated, sparking widespread discussions. While he didn’t disclose the source of his information, it has fueled debates about Butler’s future. Could there be substance to Simmons’ claim, or is it simply speculation?



This season, Butler is averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, boasting an impressive 55.2% shooting from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. Unsurprisingly, several teams have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the six-time All-Star. Among the potential suitors are the Golden State Warriors, who are seeking additional support for their core stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.



Other franchises reportedly in the mix include the Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, and Phoenix Suns. If Simmons’ prediction holds true, a Jimmy Butler trade could reshape the landscape of the NBA. For <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami</a>, currently navigating a highly competitive Eastern Conference, losing their franchise cornerstone would be a significant blow.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27151717/Jimmy-Butler-Miami-Heat-2-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Jimmy Butler dribbling" class="wp-image-275670" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat drives to the net ahead of Guerschon Yabusele #28 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Kaseya Center on November 18, 2024 in Miami, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Butler’s Championship Aspirations</h2>



Since leading the Heat to the NBA Finals twice in the past four years, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/Jimmy-butler">Butler</a> has cemented his status as one of the league’s most resilient and clutch performers. However, at 34 years old, Butler is aware that his window to secure another championship is narrowing.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-miami-heat-star-jimmy-butler-has-four-possible-trade-destinations" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241217_BUS_294711_jimmybutler.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Amid growing uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Butler&apos;s future, reports suggest the star forward has identified four potential destinations if the Miami Heat decide to trade him.
" title="NBA Rumors: Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has four possible trade destinations" publication_id="BUS#/nba/nba-rumors-miami-heat-star-jimmy-butler-has-four-possible-trade-destinations"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/erik-spoelstra-explains-the-heats-challenges-without-jimmy-butler-in-thunder-defeat" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241221_BUS_297472_Jimmy-Butler-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Jimmy Butler misses the game as the Miami Heat fall to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coach Erik Spoelstra addresses Butler&apos;s absence and the team&apos;s resilience.
" title="Erik Spoelstra explains the Heat&apos;s challenges without Jimmy Butler in Thunder defeat" publication_id="BUS#/nba/erik-spoelstra-explains-the-heats-challenges-without-jimmy-butler-in-thunder-defeat"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-miami-heats-bam-adebayo-makes-something-clear-on-jimmy-butler-trade-rumors" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241220_BUS_297227_Butler-and-Adebayo.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Jimmy Butler has been at the center of attention recently, as trade rumors continue to swirl regarding his potential departure from the Miami Heat. Amid the speculation, his teammate and team captain, Bam Adebayo, made his stance clear.
" title="NBA News: Miami Heat&apos;s Bam Adebayo makes something clear on Jimmy Butler trade rumors" publication_id="BUS#/nba/nba-news-miami-heats-bam-adebayo-makes-something-clear-on-jimmy-butler-trade-rumors"></div>


While Miami’s culture and competitive edge have been instrumental in their recent success, questions linger about whether the current roster has the depth to challenge dominant Eastern Conference teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.



For Butler, the idea of joining a team with a stronger supporting cast might be tempting. Teams like the Warriors or Lakers offer proven championship pedigrees and established stars, potentially providing him with a better opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Simmons reveals: Butler is drawing interest from multiple teams as trade talks intensified

Erik Spoelstra explains the Heat's challenges without Jimmy Butler in Thunder defeat

NBA Rumors: Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has four possible trade destinations

Simmons reveals: Butler is drawing interest from multiple teams as trade talks intensified - Bolavip US

Bill Simmons knows that the situation with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> is delicate, but the player still has a lot to contribute to any <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> team, especially if he lands in a franchise with already established players who need a leader for a dynasty.



However, after so many rumors involving Bill Simmons himself in recent weeks, Lillard’s future is uncertain and things are unlikely to end as some podcasters, analysts, and reporters predict.



Until now, Lillard has been linked with 4-6 franchises, including the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a>, who aspire to reach the playoffs again and win the long-awaited title that they have lost twice in a row in two Finals appearances.



<h2>What did Bill Simmons say about Damian Lillard and a probable Big 3?</h2>



According to what Bill Simmons said during one of his podcast episodes, he thinks Lillard should go to Minnesota to join the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/minnesota-timberwolves">Timberwolves</a> and form a championship-contending Big 3 alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.



<figure class="aligncenter size-full wp-block-image"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="481" height="474" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/28103420/bill-simmons-damian-lillard-minnesota-481x474.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-50403" sizes="(max-width: 481px) 100vw, 481px"></figure></div></figure>



Damian Lillard has never won an NBA Championship before, but he knows what it’s like to play in the playoffs, with over 61 games started in the postseason since 2014.

NBA: Bill Simmons points where Lillard could form a win-now Big 3

NBA: Bill Simmons points where Lillard could form a win-now Big 3 - Bolavip US

Latest news from Bill Simmons. Find out about all the news related to Bill Simmons on bolavip.com/en