NBA fans have questioned the MVP voting process after Rachel Nichols made it clear she would not vote for Luka Doncic as her top choice.
The debate around the award has intensified as the season progresses, with Doncic firmly in the conversation. However, Nichols’ reasoning sparked immediate backlash.
Her stance focused on one specific area of the game. And it did not sit well with many fans. The reaction was swift and widespread.
Rachel Nichols explains why she won’t vote Luka Doncic for MVP
Speaking in a clip shared by Sports Illustrated, Nichols outlined her reasoning.
“Is he the top contender for MVP right now? No, he is not. Is the reason because you do have to play both sides of the ball for all eight months of the season? Yes, it is,” Nichols said.
She added: “He’s definitely been improving, I’m the loudest voice that Luka is not the defensive liability that people think he is once he gets to the playoffs. … So, am I going to vote him my number one for the MVP? No.”
Her comments centered on defensive consistency across the full season. While acknowledging Doncic’s improvements, she made it clear that it was not enough for her top vote.
That reasoning immediately became a talking point and fans had plenty to say.
NBA fans react to Rachel Nichols MVP take on Luka Doncic
Many fans questioned the voting criteria itself, with one saying, “We should really consider the voting process and be critical of it.”
Others directly disagreed with Nichols, with one comment reading, “Rachel Nichols, that’s such a TERRIBLE take! Watch the games!” while another added, “Damn, I thought she was better than this.”
Some took a broader view of the system, with one fan stating, “You might as well give NBA Twitter rights to vote.”
There was also debate around the importance of defense, as one user asked, “When did defense become a main criteria for winning the MVP?”
The reactions highlight the ongoing divide in how fans and analysts evaluate MVP candidates and as the race continues, that debate is only likely to grow.
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