Joel Embiid made it clear on Thursday that he’s relieved to be out of the contentious MVP conversation after his recent return from an extended injury absence.
Having played just 36 games this season due to a knee injury, Embiid’s candidacy for MVP is virtually non-existent, especially considering the NBA’s requirement of a minimum of 65 games for end-of-season awards.
Expressing his contentment with being sidelined from the MVP discussions, Embiid labeled the conversation as “toxic” and “kind of boring” following the Philadelphia 76ers’ victory over the Miami Heat. He emphasized his focus on regaining full health, steering clear of the intense scrutiny surrounding the MVP race.
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Acknowledging the impressive performances of fellow candidates, including two-time winner Nikola Jokic, Embiid recognized the competitiveness of the field. Jokic, leading the charge with stellar statistics for the Denver Nuggets, has emerged as a clear frontrunner for the MVP title.
Despite being sidelined from the MVP debate, Embiid has showcased his dominance on the court, averaging impressive numbers in his limited appearances. His return to action against Miami yielded a solid performance, contributing significantly to the Sixers’ crucial victory as they aim to improve their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference standings.
