Joel Embiid just ended the MVP conversation by sitting against Nikola Jokic. And that’s fine.

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Daily News | Joel Embiid just ended the MVP conversation by sitting against Nikola Jokic. And that’s fine.

Let’s make one thing clear. None of what you are about to read is meant to suggest that Joel Embiid just sacrificed himself in order to save mankind with his decision toThat said, we should at least offer the big man a nod of appreciation for ending this year’s NBA MVP debate before it could completely destroy polite society. The real heroes are the consensus builders, and Embiid has somehow found a way to leave everybody better off. He and the Sixers get a chance to focus on the postseason.

You can argue that none of that should matter. Embiid’s statistical case for MVP is stronger than it ever has been. His scoring average of 33.3 points per game isn’t just the best in the NBA this season. It’s historic. Only 10 players have ever reached that threshold. Only three have done it in the last 35 years: James Harden, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan. It’s also 8.4 points higher than Jokic’s average, a gap that is nearly big enough to nullify Jokic’s +5.8 advantage in assists.

Embiid’s best chance to prove himself was to prove it head-to-head. His decision not to was especially detrimental given that his lack of availability remains the most cogent argument against his MVP candidacy. The conversation is now pretty much over.You can argue that Embiid’s fixation on the MVP rings hollow if he can’t even bring himself to suit up against the one guy who stands in his way. But the more you think about it, the more you should realize that it is a feather in his cap.

 

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