Rucker's response to "fake" claim

Monday night’s NBL26 Awards evening was an event to highlight and celebrate the successes of clubs and teams across the competition.

While numerous left the Crown Casino with a smile on their face, one who did not was Sydney’s Kendric Davis.

The American, who powered the Kings to the regular season championship, was edged by Adelaide’s Bryce Cotton by two votes for the Andrew Gaze MVP Trophy.

“I love the way he plays the game. He's great for the league, and I get the disappointment in finishing second in the MVP,” 1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker said on the Finals Launch episode of NBL Now.

After leaving the event, Davis took to social media to vent these frustrations, which he doubled down on at Tuesday’s Finals Launch, where he asked to see the votes and for a change to the polling system.

In response, an NBL spokesperson said, “The NBL consistently reviews its processes to ensure that it maintains the highest standards and makes changes when necessary.

“There are no plans to change the MVP voting process at this time.”

One who witnessed Davis’ frustrations firsthand on Monday was Rucker.

“Kendric was walking out of there last night expecting to have the MVP trophy,” Rucker said.

“Now, it doesn't happen, and he gets emotional, and he responds in a way in which probably wasn't recommended.

“I actually bumped into him out on the casino floor, and we had a chat.

“We didn't see eye to eye, but I am going to continue to try and be who I am and help Kendric ... and if he thinks I'm fake, it's not my objective to prove him wrong.

“It's my thing to be as authentic and continue in the vein that I always conduct my business.

“We know Kendric's very emotional. He's still a young professional, and he's a guy that I have a lot of respect for.”

Davis will look to put this disappointment behind him and help the Kings win a sixth NBL championship when their Playoffs Series tips off on Wednesday, March 11, at Qudos Bank Arena.