PTI Who wins the NBA MVP Race? And is Mazzulla the Coach of the Year?
Mar 31, 2026
Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player and current ESPN analyst, breaks down the MVP race and Coach of the Year debate. He highlights contenders like Shai, Jokic, Luka and Wembanyama. Perkins also critiques Joe Mazzulla’s comments on coaching and shares locker-room anecdotes and game-day routines.
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MVP Race Has Multiple Legitimate Front-Runners
- The NBA MVP field is unusually deep this season with multiple plausible winners.
- Pablo Torre ranks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander first, Luka Doncic fourth, and highlights Wembanyama's defense despite limited minutes as a major factor.
Jalen Brown's Case For MVP Recognition
- Tony Kornheiser values Jalen Brown's work leading the Celtics without Jayson Tatum.
- He slots Brown first on his hypothetical ballot and still calls Nikola Jokic the best player in the world.
Hockey's Honor Code Still Enforces Public Accountability
- Hockey retains an honor code where players accept consequences publicly, unlike many other sports.
- Tony praises Radko Gudas for returning to face Max Domi and 'standing behind' his mistake despite suspensions.