For several days, many NBA fans and media personalities had been wondering who was the one voter who didn’t list Denver star Nikola Jokić among the five players on their MVP ballot after 76ers center Joel Embiid won the award last week. On Thursday, that question was answered, as the NBA released the voting ballots for this year’s MVP award.
It turns out that distinction belongs to ESPN broadcaster Mark Jackson.
The former Warriors coach instead included Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell, in that order, on his ballot.
On Monday, before Jackson’s ballot was revealed, Charles Barkley railed into the rogue voter for not including the two-time reigning MVP and leader of Denver’s top-seeded squad. “There's one person—I don't even know this fool's name—didn't even have [Jokic] in the top five. People like that shouldn't get a vote ... He's a damn idiot."
After learning that undesired label belonged to Jackson on Thursday, social media revisited Barkley’s reaction and let Jackson have it.
Former Warriors coach and current ESPN analyst Mark Jackson had a vote in the MVP race this season and this was his order:
— Петар Јокановић (@jokansson24) May 11, 2023
1. Joel Embiid
2. Giannis Adetokumbo
3. Jayson Tatum
4. Shay Giljas-Alexander
No wonder you don't have a coaching job anymore, Mr. Jackson. https://t.co/9IhuCbXJWp
Mark Jackson couldn’t figure out how to win with Steph Curry. No wonder he doesn’t know shit about basketball. https://t.co/PNXUoC5wgl
— lee (@senor_crappy) May 11, 2023
Mark Jackson is that damn idiot 😂 https://t.co/BpJhMbfIY2
— Lou Izzo (@ScroogeDWS) May 11, 2023
Charles Barkley is 100% correct here. Turns out that the idiot is Mark Jackson. Revoke his awards vote immediately. https://t.co/hLIu9txfIC
— Amelia (@AmeliaEarhart1) May 11, 2023
I’m starting to understand why he’s no longer a coach. https://t.co/2xQsQ1Hoa4
— Brian Nagle (@bnags1) May 11, 2023
There’s a reason this fool isn’t a head coach anymore. Completely out to lunch. https://t.co/kAXz334LJH
— TBJN (@TBJN__) May 11, 2023
