I like how "future of the NBA" is related to a picture of LeBron James, and the post isn't a funny meme. LeBron really gonna play 'til he's 50.
"Nikola Jokic is the first player in NBA history to record 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, 10+ assists, 3+ steals and 3+ blocks in a game, since steals and blocks were first tracked in 1973-74 . He is also the second player in NBA history to record a 45-point triple-double on 70%+ shooting, joining: Wilt Chamberlain: 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists (24-29 FG) on 3/18/1968" Before the AS break, the MVP battle was between Embiid and Jokic with Derozan as a dark horse candidate, in addition to Giannis. I think Jokic stands by himself, right now.
Going off the basketball media I consume it has felt like Embiid is the favorite but to me Jokic has had the best statistical resume for a while now. Add in his 2&3 have been out essentially all year I’m not sure why he hasn’t gotten more of the narrative love. I don’t check it everyday but it feels like he’s been leading the mvp tracker most of the season. https://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/mvp.html
Unless he averages a triple double Jokic has to get at least to the top 3 in the west I don't think he gets it as a 6th seed Rocket River
I think the only thing Embiid had on Jokic was PPG and team record...and LeBron is pretty close to overtaking him in the PPG category now, while the Nuggets are only one game back, or so, of Philly at the moment. So it's not like there's a major discrepancy of wins between the two teams. Jokic has had to do more with less, and now that Harden is in Philly, the view on Embiid should further be dulled. It's not his fault that a former MVP is on his team, but the optics do matter.
