And yet, longtime assistant coach Ron Adams pointed to Green’s intelligence as perhaps his greatest strength and the biggest reason he – along with Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels – is a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander both delivered historic seasons of their own right. The brilliance displayed by both players left the NBA world torn on who was deserving of the honors. D'Angelo Russell chose a clear side in that debate.

NBA Most Valuable Player award winner will be announced soon, and Brooklyn Nets star D’Angelo Russell has made it clear who he believes deserves the honor between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.