“Joel Embiid Over Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic”: Skip Bayless Announces his Way Too Early 2023 Michael Jordan Trophy Winner Pick

The 2022-23 NBA season couldn’t have been any more entertaining. Almost 40 games into the campaign and 8 players have been averaging 29 PPG or better, making the 2023 MVP race as interesting as it can get.

Of course, the likes of Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Doncic are dominating the Ladder for the past few weeks. However, thanks to their latest stellar performances Joel Embiid, Zion Williamson, and Jaylen Brown, among a few, have also gone up a few spots.

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After Giannis’ latest 55-point game, analysts Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe were discussing the MVP case while highlighting the 3 prominent big men in the league – Greek Freak, The Joker, and JoJo.

“Joel Embiid is #1 in this league is defensive win shares”: Skip Bayless

On the latest episode of “UNDISPUTED”, Bayless started his argument by lauding Antetokounmpo for a career-high night.

“This was extremely impressive on many levels… Giannis was spectacular in the 4th quarter because he scored 19 points just in the 4th quarter. But you know what grabbed my eye as I went across the stat line – he shot 16 free throws and made 15 free throws.”

However, the 71-year-old analyst was quick enough to speak about Embiid’s latest outings. Regarding the Philly big man as his pick to be the 2023 Michael Jordan Trophy Recipient, Bayless spoke about the Cameroonian’s improvements from the free throw line and incredible contributions on the defensive end. Stating that he’d pick Joel over Giannis & Nikola, Skip said:

“Joel Embiid is a flat-out monster. And I will take Joel Embiid over Giannis. I will take Joel Embiid over Jok (Nikola Jokic) any day.

There’s this thing called defense. Would you believe Joel Embiid is number 1 in this league in defensive win shares cause he plays both ends of the floor.

People are sleeping on Joel because he’s averaging 34, 10, and 5, and 5 is pretty good for a man that big. But more important, Joel Embiid, speaking of making free throws, he’s shooting a career-high 85% from the free-throw line. He’s 7 feet tall.”

Can Embiid win his 1st MVP?

Joel has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The 5-time All-Star has been putting up a staggering 33.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

However, it was in the month of December that the 3-time All-Defensive player took things to a different level. Going 9-4, Embiid went on to record 35.4/9.9/4.2, earning him the Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors.

Currently, Joel is ranked #6 on the latest MVP Ladder. However, after an incredible 42-point double-double against the Pelicans, and a few more of those to come and the 7-footer will certainly rise up a few spots.

The Sixers have a 22-14 record to place them 5th in the East. There is absolutely no doubt that Joel Embiid will become a frontrunner to win his first-ever MVP honor.

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