Nikola Jokic had some lavish praise for his MVP competitor Joel Embiid amid all the buzz surrounding the two centers.
Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the Denver Nuggets’ 116-111 win, “I think he’s a great player,” Jokic said. “I think he’s gonna be remembered as one of the most dominant players in the league. The guy’s a beast, and he’s so talented.
“He can affect [the game] many ways on the floor,” the Nuggets star added. “He can post up, he can face up, he can shoot 3s. He can defend really well. He can, in some situations, guard 1 through 5. So he’s a really, really good player.”
Nikola Jokic on Joel Embiid:
"I think he's a great player. I think he's gonna be remembered as one of the most dominant players in the league. The guy's a beast. He's so talented. He can affect in many ways on the floor." pic.twitter.com/WbqM6rNReS
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) March 28, 2023
This surely comes as massive praise, especially with both these bigs caught in what could be rightfully called the battle of the centers and are frontrunners to win MVP this season.
Prior to the game, news of Embiid missing the clash due to a calf injury did the rounds and saw the big man garner immense flak for sitting out of the much-anticipated clash against Jokic. The Philadelphia 76ers, who were also without James Harden were outplayed by the Serbian, who notched up 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists.
The NBA world may have been divided over who the most deserving MVP is between the two, and also blowing the whole topic out of proportion, but safe to say, there’s mutual respect between the players, and all the experts could do well to focus on that aspect rather than put them in the crossfire.
Kendrick Perkins Lambasts Joel Embiid For Missing Out Against Nikola Jokic And The Denver Nuggets
Kendrick Perkins continued to dish out hot takes well after he stirred up quite the controversy for his comments on Jokic, who was favored to win MVP for the third time in a row.
“Joel Embiid is ducking that smoke,” Perkins said on NBA Today. “He has been on record, we know how much it means to him to win this award. You gave Jokic a spanking when you were down there in Philly. You cannot sit out this game… When it comes down to these matchups, I have a vote [for MVP]. I’m going to remember this moment.”
Surely, eyebrows were raised when Embiid was rested for the game, especially with the MVP race heating up. But it should be noted that the Sixers star has been vocal about his thoughts on the whole award, and the move meant he was sticking to what he said.
It’s pretty clear that Embiid is channeling his efforts on staying fresh for the postseason and seeing Philly go the distance. Only time will tell if he can or if Jokic is in for another stellar season and lead Denver to glory.
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