Joel Embiid reveals that he wants to emulate Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, winning MVP and DPOY at the same time.
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Jojo has been the league’s most dominant player not named Stephen Curry this year. Nikola Jokic has a strong MVP case because he’s played at an all-time great level through every single game. But Jojo has imposed his will more consistently on opponents – on both ends.
Embiid wishes to be able to win DPOY some day. In fact, he was campaigning for himself winning this award ahead of the All-Star Break:
“When I came in the league, I never thought I would be that good offensively. I always focused on the defense and that’s always been my goal to win it. … That’s been my focus and coming into the league and obviously, the scoring and the offensive side has taken over.”
Embiid on the MVP Award: “I’ve been dominant all season. When I get the ball, it’s either a foul or a bucket. I feel like I’m right there.”
(Via SLAM)Embiid on the DPOY Award: “I want to be Defensive Player of the Year. I should be Defensive Player of the Year.”
(Via Lowe Post) pic.twitter.com/OUnQVUfoi7— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) April 16, 2021
Joel Embiid wants to emulate Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, win both MVP and DPOY
Embiid is now clearly a First Team All-NBA candidate when fit. But he wishes to win the bigger accolades out there. He has his sights set on the MVP-DPOY double, since it’s something his idols have done:
“I’ve always wanted to be like Hakeem and MJ, or Giannis last year to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. But I have a lot of years in the league, and at some point, that is something I wanna do. But when it comes to it, I hope he (Ben) wins it.”
Given Embiid’s ability to patrol the paint, alter shots and affect his opponents’ offense, it’s not a far-fetched notion. Embiid’s biggest challenge will likely be availability and fitness – a common theme throughout his career.
