Embiid's Injury Shifts NBA MVP Race to Favor Jokic

• Joel Embiid was the favorite for NBA MVP before his injury.

• Embiid's injury changed the MVP race significantly.

• Embiid became ineligible for end-of-season awards due to the 65-game rule.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid greets fans after an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Washington. The 76ers won 131-126. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

AP

In the world of professional basketball, the race for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award has taken an unexpected turn. Two months ago, it seemed that Joel Embiid, the talented center for the Philadelphia 76ers, was the frontrunner to win the prestigious honor for the second consecutive year. However, a recent injury has sidelined Embiid and shifted the dynamics of the race.

During a game last month, Embiid suffered a knee injury when he collided with Jonathan Kuminga, a player from the Golden State Warriors. This unfortunate incident not only affected Embiid's performance but also made him ineligible for end-of-season awards under the NBA's new 65-game rule. Following a surgical procedure on his left knee, Embiid will undergo reevaluation in the coming weeks. As a result, he did not receive any votes in the latest round of the NBA MVP straw poll conducted by ESPN.

With Embiid out of the picture, another prominent figure has emerged as the frontrunner for the MVP title: Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. This year, Jokic aims to join the exclusive ranks of players who have won at least three MVP trophies in their careers. This elite group includes basketball legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Michael Jordan.

Jokic, who won the MVP award in both 2021 and 2022, has been instrumental in leading his team to success. The Denver Nuggets, last year's defending champions, are currently in a competitive position in the Western Conference standings. Jokic's exceptional stats speak for themselves, as he averages an impressive 26.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game.

With two months remaining in the regular season, the MVP race is heating up. ESPN recently conducted their second NBA MVP straw poll for the 2023-24 season, and the results have shed light on the current state of affairs. While Embiid's absence has opened the door for Jokic, other contenders are eagerly vying for the coveted title. The MVP race promises to be an exciting battle to watch as the season progresses.

As fans and analysts eagerly await the final verdict, it's worth noting that only a select few have ever won three MVP awards in a four-year span. Icons like Abdul-Jabbar, Russell, Chamberlain, James, Johnson, and Bird have achieved this remarkable feat. The potential for Jokic to join their ranks adds another layer of anticipation to the competition.

In conclusion, Joel Embiid's injury has certainly disrupted the NBA MVP race. While his absence has led to his exclusion from recent polls, Nikola Jokic has emerged as the prominent frontrunner. However, with several talented players in contention, including familiar faces and rising stars, the competition is far from over. As the regular season continues to unfold, basketball enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly watching to see who ultimately claims the coveted title of NBA Most Valuable Player.