ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins calls out Joel Embiid for sitting vs. Nikola Jokic

ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins calls out Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid for sitting in the matchup with Nikola Jokic.

The NBA world has been robbed of a premier matchup on Monday night.  Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been ruled out against the Denver Nuggets and their star big man Nikola Jokic.

Embiid and Jokic are the two main MVP candidates for the third season in a row, and Monday was the final matchup between the two. Embiid gained the better of Jokic in January when he delivered a 47-point masterpiece for the win.

On the one hand, it makes total sense for the Sixers to sit Embiid. This is the third game in four nights. He has been dealing with a calf issue. The playoffs are around the corner. Philadelphia will go as far as the big fella takes them. He has got to be at his absolute best.

On the other hand, playing against the other top MVP candidate is viewed as a priority, and ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins had a lot to say to Embiid about it:

Joel Embiid is ducking that smoke today and y’all know how I feel about Joel Embiid, but here’s the thing, right? He has been on record. We know how much it means to him to win this award and here it is. You gave Jokic a spanking when they was down in Philly. You have to give him an opportunity to get his lick back. You cannot sit out this game. I would rather him sit out against the Phoenix Suns. Here’s the thing, when it comes down to these moments in these matchups, I have a vote. I have a vote and when I go in, I’m voting, I’m looking at the MVP and who I’m going to pencil in, I’m going to remember this moment. It’s only fair. Jokic showed up to work in Philly, you have to give him his lick back. Giannis (Antetokounmpo) showed up in Denver although they got whooped, he still was available. The series tied 1-1, you have to show up and play this game. No matter what if you’re Joel Embiid, and right now from my eyes and me hearing it, it seemed like he’s ducking the smoke a little bit.

One can understand Perkins’ point, but for the Sixers, the MVP means nothing. This is about winning a championship. This is Philadelphia’s best shot considering how dominant Embiid has been and how efficient James Harden has been as a playmaker. The Sixers need their heavy lifters ready for the playoffs and if it means siting out a big matchup such as this one, so be it.

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