Joel Embiid Criticizes MVP Criteria And Jokic's Defense In Recent Interview

Photo: Instagram/Joel Embiid

With two weeks left in the 2022-23 NBA regular season, Joel Embiid is the favorite to win the MVP award, according to Caesars Sportsbook.

However, in a recent Q&A with The Athletic's Shams Charania, Embiid expressed frustration with the award's changing criteria and seemed to take a shot at Nikola Jokic's defense.

Embiid argued that analytics can be misleading when evaluating defense, citing examples of players who perform poorly on the eye-test but are considered the best defenders by metrics.

Photo: Instagram/Joel Embiid

This comment likely refers to Jokic, who is considered a positive defender by most metrics but has been criticized for his foot speed.

Embiid also deflected pressure to win onto other players, stating that he is not at the top of the list, and that there are "guys that have won two MVPs, a bunch of MVPs and haven't done anything either."

This statement appears to target Jokic, who is the only active two-time MVP who has not won a championship. Both Embiid and Jokic face pressure to win a title this season. The two players are set to face off on Monday, but Embiid has been ruled out due to injury.

Embiid's frustration with the MVP process has been evident for some time, but this interview takes it to a new level. He even admitted that he feels he is not well-liked, which may not help his chances in the eyes of some voters.

While Embiid may have a point about the flaws of analytics, it's important to note that Jokic is still considered a positive defender by most metrics.

The truth likely lies somewhere in between the eye-test and the metrics. As for the MVP race, it remains to be seen whether Embiid can maintain his lead and finally win the award.

Read Next: LeBron James Makes Comeback After 13-Game Absence, Lakers Fall To Bulls

Source: CBS Sports

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