Joel Embiid is one of the clear frontrunners for the Most Valuable Player award this season. But one Philadelphia 76ers icon doesn't see him as the leading candidate.
Hall of Famer Julius Erving was asked during a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show about his vote for the MVP winner this season. While he's clearly on the side of his fellow Sixers star, Doctor J admitted that he feels Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been the most deserving of the award thus far.
Via The Rich Eisen Show:
“I'm hopeful that Embiid wins it. Cause he does talk about it and it's something that is one of those carrots out there that he's reaching for. But I think the most deserving guy is Jokic. He hasn't missed any games and night in and night out, he's done better than he did last year. He was MVP last year and when you get better. I don't think you lose status. Not if it's a fair fight,” said the Sixers legend.
But while he sees Nikola Jokic as the most deserving, thanks mainly to his availability, Doctor J is still letting his Sixers bias shine through and would vote for Joel Embiid in the race.
“I'm going to vote for Embiid, because he's my guy. And Antetokounmpo, who knows how he's going to finish up? But both Embiid and Antetokounmpo have missed several weeks of play. Jokic has been there every night.”
With such terrific seasons from the triumvirate of Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, you're basically splitting hairs with who deserves it most.
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