The consensus right now is it is a two-man race for NBA MVP, with Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets battling it out for the regular-season award.
On Monday night, the 76ers and Nuggets are set to go head-to-head in a game that many believe could determine the outcome of the MVP race.
However, as ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins points out, Embiid will not be playing in tonight’s game.
Perkins believes that Embiid is ducking this showdown with Jokic, which could ultimately cost the 76ers center when the voting for the award takes place.
I love Embiid… but it’s no way he shouldn’t give Jokic an opportunity to get his lick back tonight!!! Carry on… https://t.co/g6c0Yy7k8W
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) March 27, 2023
Sitting out a game against the one player that you’re competing against for the NBA MVP is not a good look.
Perkins is right on the money when he says the voters will remember this moment.
Embiid has been adamant about wanting to win the MVP award and how he believes he should already have one in his trophy case.
Jokic has won the award two years running and could add a third straight to his legacy when it is all said and done this season.
The fact that Embiid sitting out as a precautionary approach by the team makes this look even worse.
It would be safe to say that Embiid could’ve gone to management or the coaching staff and forced his way onto the court as many superstars in the league today can do.
It could be something he likely regrets if Jokic does indeed win a third straight MVP award.
NEXT: Joel Embiid Makes His Thoughts Clear About Analytics