Did NBA.Com Just Foreshadow Sixers’ Joel Embiid As This Year’s Kia MVP ?
On Friday night, MVP candidate Joel Embiid returned to the Sixers lineup after missing the first two games with an Orbital Fracture. He helped lead the Sixers to a 99-79 win over the Miami Heat in game three.
After the game was over, Basketball News’ Moke Hamilton Tweeted some very interesting news he found on NBA.com regarding Embiid. According to Hamilton, the NBA Mobile potentially leaked Embiid as this year’s KIA MVP.
“Kia MVP Joel Embiid.”
It has since been updated to say “Kia MVP” was changed to “Kia MVP finalist
The NBA generally does not publicly announce the MVP until around time for the NBA finals. This year’s announcement was much anticipated, with the vote to be close in a three-way race between Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
