Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid reflected on not winning the MVP award this season despite another incredible regular season run. The All-Star big admitted that Nikola Jokic deserved the award, as Embiid came second.
This mark the second consecutive year he finished consecutive season second behind Jokic. Last year’s vote was not close, but this year’s was closer. Embiid did not hide his disappointment.
“Last year, I campaigned about it. This year, I answered questions when I was asked, and in the next few years until I retire, it’s almost like … like I said, I wonder what else I have to do to win it, and to me, it’s like, at this point it’s like, it’s whatever,” Embiid told reporters.
Despite his disappointment, Embiid congratulated Jokic and admitted he knew the result weeks ago, before ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi reported the result. Embiid reportedly lost out on the hardware despite putting up 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
“Obviously, congrats to Nikola. He deserved it. He had an amazing season. There’s no right or wrong. There was a lot of candidates. It could have gone either way,” the center from Cameroon said.
“Giannis, Devin Booker, being on the best team in the league, by far. So, I guess, every year is all about whatever you guys decide, whatever fits the narrative as far as who’s gonna win.”
The Sixers’ superstar became the first center to lead the NBA in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. The Sixers finished 4th in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia advanced to the second round beating Raptors and they are down 3-2 vs Miami in the EC semifinals.
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