Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokuonmpo? The question that’s been on everyone’s minds over the past few months as the 2022 NBA MVP race heated up.
The 2021-22 NBA regular season has now come and gone. And after endless deliberation – media members across the land, must now cast their votes to determine this season’s most valuable player.
The MVP battle has been an intoxicating three-horse race for much of the season. Though now that the dust has settled – the oddsmakers believe that the award will be decided between two, seven-foot giants. Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
Asked by The Denver Post about his thoughts on his Embiid, Jokic got honest, saying:
“There’s not even a little bit bad blood between us. I think he’s a great player.”
It’s clear that a mutual respect and admiration exists between the two candidates. Which is great to see.
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Jokic and Embiid have both given us classic throwback campaigns. Allowing hoops fans to relive the nostalgia of the days when the big man reigned supreme. After the position was all but declared dormant just a few years ago, Jokic and Embiid Have reminded us that the center position is very much alive and kicking.
With near identical statistical seasons, the outcome is truly a coin flip. Dependent on stylistically preference, and who voters personally deem as the best Center in the NBA.
The Statistical Cases
Joel Embiid’s statistical case is that he led the league in scoring at 30.6 points per game – whilst guiding the Philadelphia 76ers to 51 wins. The Cameroonian also averaged 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists – on shooting splits of 49.9 from the field, 37.1 from three and 81.4 from the line.
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Whereas Nikola Jokic, despite leading his team to fewer wins with 48 – shattered all advance stats metrics, putting up a truly historical season. All with a heavily depleted roster.
Jokic averaged 27.1 points on 58.3 percent from the field, with 13.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists a game to boot. Whilst becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a season. And registering the highest single-season player efficiency rating in NBA history at 33.01.
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These were two special seasons, and both testaments to the renaissance of the big man. Ultimately, either candidate would be a worthy recipient of the MVP.
A sentiment that Jokic himself too agreed with, saying that he’d ‘be happy as long as a big man won the award.’
