Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is the favourite to win the MVP award in the NBA this season, but basketball legend Tracy McGrady is still leaning towards Denver Nuggets ace Nikola Jokic as his top pick.
Jokic has been named NBA MVP two years running, taking over from Milwaukee Bucks giant Giannis Antetokounmpo who also won back-to-back awards. Embiid is yet to pick up his first MVP title, but it appears as though 2023 may finally be his year.
There has been a lot of criticism over the MVP criteria in recent years, with both Giannis and Embiid speaking out against the award. And the 76ers star won't be happy with McGrady either, as he thinks that Jokic deserves it yet again.
The general consensus is that Embiid is the clear favourite as we enter the final weeks of the regular season, and he'd certainly be a worthy winner after a stunning campaign so far. But McGrady feels as though Jokic is still in the lead, as he is more of a one-man band.
Embiid has formed a powerful duo with James Harden, and McGrady believes that having an All-Star to work with acts against the MVP favourite while Jokic is doing his work solo. "I think they’re equally having an advantage to win it. I’m leaning toward Jokic because he’s not playing with an All-Star," McGrady said, via USA Today’s Sixers Wire.
The NBA legend explained that Jokic has helped his team climb to the top of the Western Conference, while Embiid and the 76ers remain third in the Eastern Conference despite holding a more balanced roster. "His (Jokic) team is No. 1 in the West, 29 triple-doubles, and to me, he gets everybody involved," McGrady said.
"Like he has an impact. He’s not as a defensive player like Embiid, but I think his impact that he does so much so many other things. That really equals out to what Embiid brings his team. I just, the man is incredible."
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is delighted that Jokic is being given the credit he deserves, but is worried that rather than hailing those involved in the MVP debate, it's became more toxic as opponents are being torn apart. "Compared to the last two years, I think this year unfortunately has just taken a really ugly, nasty turn in the MVP conversation," Malone said via NBA.com.
"What’s happening now is there are so many guys that can win the MVP this year. Great candidates, but what happens in today’s society is that [with] everybody, it’s not promoting my guy, it’s ripping down every other guy, and that’s just ridiculous.
"As [NBA commissioner] Adam Silver told us at the All-Star break: the game is in a great spot. We have great players. Celebrate them. Don’t criticise. Don’t tear them down. Build them all up. And whoever wins it, good for them."
