NBA MVP: Why Joel Embiid did enough to win the award

Once again, an international player will hold up the NBA MVP trophy at the end of the 2022 season. Only this time, it is between three. Who is the MVP?

The 2021-22 NBA regular season has officially ended, but there are still decisions to be made. The playoffs are set, and coaches are already being told they won’t return next season, but the MVP is still in question.

Three international players have already made their mark in the NBA, but are here to solidify their place as NBA greats. Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. One of these three players will win MVP. Let’s break down the numbers.

MVP contender #1: Nikola Jokic

The Joker has been running all over the NBA as Hulk Hogan did on the WWE so many years ago. Jokic is a center who has point guard abilities and a smooth game around the basket. Since his MVP season in 2021, Jokic has only gotten better.

In 2022, Jokic averaged more points than in 2021 (26.4-27.1), and more rebounds (10.8-13.8). He averaged just 0.4 fewer assists than he did in 2021.

With the Nuggets missing their second and third option for the duration of the season, Jokic kept the Nuggets afloat and have them as the sixth seed entering the playoffs. Jokic also led the NBA in total triple-doubles as a center with 19.

Being an MVP means being the most valuable. Without Jokic, the Nuggets would be a bottom-five team in the Western Conference. With Jokic, it is similar to the LeBron James effect. When Jokic is on the floor, he is the best player at all times and brings the most out of his teammates.