Media by Associated Press – Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) brings the ball up court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Nikola Jokic has been chasing history all season. The Denver Nuggets star forward would reach truly rarefied air in NBA history if he were selected as NBA MVP. Only three plates — Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Bill Russell — were ever chosen for the award in three consecutive seasons.
Jokic was a heavy favorite to win the award at midseason, but sentiment started to turn as he was injured down the stretch.
Joel Embiid has had a fantastic career for the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid, who didn’t play his first two seasons in the league due to injuries, has become one of the league’s most dominant big men. The only thing Embiid hasn’t done is win in the playoffs or be selected MVP.
Here’s a look at both resumes for this year’s award.
Jokic is once again at his multi-talented best
Jokic’s appeal as a player is that he isn’t a traditional center. The Nuggets star averages 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. He is second in the league in rebounding and third in assists. Over the course of his career, in an age where many players rest, Jokic has played in 70 or more games every season and has played 80 or more games twice.
This season has been a special one for the Nuggets. Denver is in a good position to be the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and are hoping to find a way to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Embiid hasn’t brought back top hardware yet
There are a lot of things Embiid is hoping to add to his career resume. Much like Jokic, Embiid also has yet to find postseason success since coming into the NBA. The 76ers have never even made the Eastern Conference Finals since he’s been there.
Embiid hasn’t been the most durable player during his career, which has held him back from the NBA in the past. Embiid has never played more than 68 games in his career, which came during the 2021-22 season when he won the scoring title. This season, Embiid is again leading the league in scoring at 33.1 points per game.
Embiid is also seventh in rebounding at 10.2 rebounds per game and is a decent passer, handing out 4.2 assists per game. Philadelphia has had a strong season and sits in third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Who should win MVP?
There’s no doubt that if Jokic wins, there will be some major complaints from certain segments of the NBA fanbase and media. Michael Jordan never won three straight MVPs; neither did LeBron James. Jokic is a uniquely talented player and has clearly captured the minds of voters with his all-around play.
There is a chance Embiid could steal the award away, however. Voters often tire of voting for the same player every year, and with Embiid once again appearing in over 65 games, there is now a chance that he has played enough to earn it. Jokic perhaps deserves it more, but Embiid will take the award.
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