Kevin Durant is a former NBA MVP winner and one of the greatest NBA players of all time.
As such, he is uniquely qualified to offer his thoughts this year’s three-superstar race between Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Each of them has laid a legitimate claim to the honor throughout he 2022-23 NBA season. But ultimately, only one can win.
This week, during an episode of his podcast, Durant offered his thoughts on who should the win the NBA MVP this year.
“I didn’t want to pick because I knew I’mma get Jokic’s fans on my timeline and Giannis’ fans, I know it for sure,” he said.
“… Joel’s my guy. He was my guy last year too for MVP. I was the guy first, then somebody fell into my knee two years in a row, but outside of me, I’mma go with Embiid.”
Durant then made the case for his guy.
“He’s playing at a dominant level for the last two years,” he continued. “… What more does he have to do to become MVP? And they’re winning basketball games, too.”
It is hard to argue with Durant’s rationale. Embiid has put together a spectacular season from start to finish and would be an extremely worthy winner.
It doesn't hurt that Embiid's Sixers are currently making easy work of the Brooklyn Nets in the first-round of their playoff showdown. The next few weeks will be telling.
Will Embiid be able to lead Philly to an NBA championship? Can he do so while also securing his first ever career MVP award? One way or another, an answer will emerge soon enough.
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