Embiid, James, Jokić Are My Frontrunners For MVP, Says Richard Jefferson
On Sunday, former dunk contest contestant Richard Jefferson was a moderate on Clubhouse as a part of a dunk contest watch party. During the contest, Jefferson was asked, who was his frontrunner for MVP this season thus far.
“Joel Embidd, LeBron James, and [Nikola] Jokic. Jokic numbers have been outstanding, and I think before the Lakers went down with Schröder and Anthony Davis. I think LeBron had the clear-cut start the way he started the season with 15, 5, and 5 over 30 something games breaking an NBA record,” said Jefferson.
“Now Joel Embiid has been on fire over the last little bit. So, I think it is going to come down to the last 20 games of the season. And who can dominate and who can do what. I think it is those guys.”
Jefferson did say Damian Lillard was a dark horse to win it as well on the outside looking in.
The Philadephia 76ers are currently in first place in the eastern conference with a 24-12. Their MVP candidate Joel Embiid has been a significant reason why. The four-time all-star through 30 games this season is averaging career highs in points with 30.2, Rebounds with 11.6, and assists with 3.3.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers is happy with where the team is currently and Embiid’s post passing.
“I am very happy and very comfortable with where we’re at right now,” Rivers said. “We have won a ton of games this year in the fourth quarter, down the stretch through our execution. We have shown all of them how well we can space the floor, and Joel has really improved his post passing.”
Los Ang eles Lakers forward LeBron James is also having an MVP type season despite Anthony Davis being out. Davis has been nursing a calf strain reported in February that he would be out four weeks. In Davis’ absence, James has the Lakers in third place in the west with a 24-13 record. James is averaging 25.8 points, eight rebounds, and 7.8 rebounds.
As for Jokic, he is averaging 27.1 points. 11.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game through 36 games. The Denver Nuggets are sixth in the west with a 21-15.
Former NBA big man, Brendan Haywood shared how Jokic could win this years MVP.
“I’m going to say this, and I think more people should feel this one. It is not the sexy pick; it is not the name people want to see; his game is not flashy. If the Denver Nuggets finish in the top three in the west, and Joker’s number, they like this where he is average 26 [points], 12 [rebounds], and 9 [assists}. He should be the MVP,” said Haywood.
He continued:
“If the Joker averages 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, and the Nuggets finish anywhere in the top three in the west than he should be the MVP.”
Like Jefferson shared we will have to see how the rest of the season goes down the stretch to name this year’s MVP.
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