By Stefan Djordjevic / sdjordjevic@eurohoops.net
As the 2020-21 NBA regular season’s been getting closer to the end, the MVP debut has been sprouting and two guys have been among the top contenders for it – Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
The opinions have been split among fans, coaches, players as well as former stars of the game. That includes the four-time champion and 1999-2000 MVP, Shaquille O’Neal.
One of the most dominant big men in NBA history has been a fan of both Embiid and Jokic but when it comes to this year, he’s giving his vote for the Sixers center, noting that his higher scoring average and the way he plays the game put Embiid just slightly ahead of Jokic, despite the 18 games that he’s missed so far while Denver’s big hasn’t missed any this season and is producing more than double the assists.
“I give it to Joel Embiid right now. He’s playing the game like he’s supposed to be playing. He’s leading, rebounding, playing inside. He’s out there having fun. His ppg is more than the Joker’s and he’s a little bit better. Not a lot better, he’d be a 10 and the Joker would 9.9762541. They’re very, very close. But if you ask my opinion, I’d go with Joel Embiid this year. But they’re close, very, very close.”
Jokic has been averaging 26.4 points on 56.8% shooting including 41.1% from deep, 11 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in 58 games. Nuggets are fourth in the West with a 38-20 record.
Embiid has been averaging 30 points on 51.3% shooting including 37.5% from deep, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 31 games. Sixers top the East with a 39-20 record.