PHILADELPHIA — The two best big men, and quite possibly two best players in the league, are Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. They finished 1 and 2 in the MVP race in 2021; Jokic won. The two have been even better in 2021-22.
Jokic has put up some ridiculous numbers in recent games. He had 46 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists with four blocks in an overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, including 30 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.
He and Embiid are the top MVP candidates again in 2022, and Embiid gave his respect to Jokic.
“He’s an amazing player,” said Embiid. “He’s a monster. I saw what he was able to do last night (Sunday), I was watching the game actually, I’m always watching every game, but he’s a monster. What he’s able to do on the basketball floor is crazy.”
Jokic had another big game on Monday: 32 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists in a win over the Golden State Warriors. This came on the same night where Embiid had 43 points and 14 rebounds in a win over the Chicago Bulls.
“From big man to big man, I’m happy that when you look at who’s dominating the league, and really who the best players are, you got really all big men,” Embiid added. “Whether it’s Giannis (Antetokounmpo), me, Jokic, KD’s (Kevin Durant) not a big, but he’s 7-feet, and it’s also foreign guys.”
Another thing that lot has in common is that they are all international players, besides Durant of course. That is something Embiid takes pride in.
“Foreign guys have really taken over,” he finished. “Luka (Doncic) and it’s great for us.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01eqbvq570kgj8vfs7 image=https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
[listicle id=61007]
[lawrence-related id=61028,61022,61019]