The 2022 NBA MVP race has been one for the ages, as nobody knows who will take the coveted award home this season. As things stand now, the three biggest candidates this season are Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
These three will try to get the edge in the next couple of games, entering a hot race to convince the voters that they are deserving of the prize. Everybody is expressing their opinion on this matter, with some siding with Jokic, others with Embiid and the rest with Giannis.
Recently, a Philadelphia 76ers icon gave his two words on this situation, saying that Jokic is the most deserving player this season. He showered Joel Embiid in praise and even said he would vote for the big man, but Jokic’s level has been too good to dismiss his case. During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Erving had this to say:
“I’m hopeful that Embiid wins it. Cause he does talk about it and it’s something that is one of those carrots out there that he’s reaching for. But I think the most deserving guy is Jokic. He hasn’t missed any games and night in and night out, he’s done better than he did last year. He was MVP last year and when you get better. I don’t think you lose status. Not if it’s a fair fight,” said the Sixers legend.
“I’m going to vote for Embiid because he’s my guy. And Antetokounmpo, who knows how he’s going to finish up? But both Embiid and Antetokounmpo have missed several weeks of play. Jokic has been there every night.”
This is a terrific race for the MVP, and we have three serious candidates that will give it all to win at the end of the regular season. In the latest NBA’s ladder, Jokic led Giannis and Embiid, but that could change in the final week of competition. These three have played at a great level all season long and it’ll be a close competition to decide the 2022 NBA MVP.