Joel Embiid wins 2022-23 NBA MVP
Joel Embiid has finally secured his first NBA MVP, ending the reign of Nikola Jokic, who won the award the previous two seasons.
I know I’m biased as a Sixer fan but I do think this MVP is deserved, especially considering Embiid’s consistency over the past three seasons. I’ve understood the logic in awarding Jokic the past two MVPs. His playmaking and basketball IQ overall was clearly a step above the rest, and it became even clearer when he wasn’t on the floor for the Nuggets.
Embiid was never undeserving of the MVP, Jokic just simply deserved it more.
But this year, Embiid stamped his case by scoring at an historic rate. He averaged 33.1 points per game and became the first center since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999 to win the scoring title.
He willed Philadelphia to victory on numerous occasions and was the main reason why the Sixers found themselves as the third seed in the East. He also had multiple different “MVP” moments, highlighted by a dominant 47-point game against Jokic and his 50-point outing late in the season to beat the Celtics.
I know Embiid has come out and said he doesn’t really care about winning the MVP — his play throughout the season indicated anything but that, though. It was clear that he was a little more motivated.
You may think Embiid doesn’t deserve this award and that is your opinion. But I believe that it would be insane to look back at these last four seasons from Embiid and not have one result in an MVP. He is one of the most dynamic big men in the league and is certainly the best scoring big.
Embiid is currently nursing an MCL sprain and looks to return as the Sixers battle the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Philadelphia currently holds a 1-0 lead and it’s already been announced Embiid will miss Game 2. I know this MVP will mean nothing to Embiid if it leads to another early playoff exit, though.
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