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“Joel Embiid is better than Nikola Jokic”: Shaquille O’Neal crowns Sixers superstar with 2021 MVP over Nuggets big man

Samir Mehdi
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“Joel Embiid is better than Nikola Jokic”: Shaquille O'Neal crowns Sixers superstar with 2021 MVP over Nuggets big man

Shaq takes to NBAonTNT to declare his MVP for the 2021 NBA season; says Joel Embiid is a bit better than Nikola Jokic. 

Going into the 2021 NBA All-Star break, Joel Embiid looked to be in prime position to run away with MVP honors this season. He was the best player on the best team in the Eastern Conference, leading them to the 1st seed. He was doing so while averaging nearly 30 points and 12 rebounds a night. 

However, after having suffered an injury that kept him out for over a month, his case for being the NBA’s Most Valuable Player started to slip. As many preach, “availability is the best ability,” and when looking out West, another big man caught everybody’s eye. 

Nikola Jokic is having an incredible Iron-man season as he is yet to miss a game this season. He upped his points per game by nearly 7 and sits at a career-high points average of 26 while grabbing 11 boards and dishing out a whopping 8 assists a night. 

Also Read: “Zion Williamson can be better than me”: Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal gives huge props to the young Pelicans All-Star

With the Denver Nuggets holding a top 4 seed in the loaded West, many voters have steered clear of Embiid and decided that Jokic is the clear-cut favorite for MVP. 

Shaq disagrees with nay-sayers as he claims Joel Embiid is the MVP over Nikola Jokic. 

In a recent poll that included all 101 voters that were eligible to vote for this season’s MVP, all but 11 voters decided to vote for Nikola Jokic. Shaq seemed to be in the minority here as he took to NBAonTNT to say that if he had a vote, he would most certainly cast it towards Joel Embiid. 

“I’d give it to Joel Embiid right now. He’s playing the game like he’s supposed to be playing, He’s leading, rebounding, playing inside, and he’s having fun out there.”

“His ppg is more than the Joker’s and he’s a little bit better. He’ll be a 10 and the Joker will be a 9.9762541, they’re very close. If you ask me for my opinion, I would go Joel Embiid this year.”

Also Read: “James Harden, not Kevin Durant, is the Nets’ MVP”: NBA Analyst explains why 2018 NBA MVP is more important to Brooklyn

The MVP this year all depends on what the voters value most. If availability and suiting up each and every night is what’s needed for them to cast a vote, then Jokic is clearly the MVP. Both post similar stats and are equally as valuable to their teams. However, with Jamal Murray out for the season, the Nuggets probably need Jokic more now, when compared to Philly needing Embiid. 

Joel Embiid does however, as highlighted by him when on the Lowe Post, play on both sides of the ball. Jokic’s defensive lapses have been greatly exaggerated as he is not as bad as the media makes him look. However, in comparison to Embiid’s defense, it isn’t comparable. 

With Joel profusely claiming he is the MVP this season, and Jokic seemingly not caring about the award one bit, the race will be enticing to follow all the way up until their last games. 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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