It has been perceived that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic don’t like each other due to their rivalry in the NBA MVP race.
Jokic earned the MVP in 2021 and 2022 while Embiid gained the better of The Joker in 2023 voting.
However, the two are actually very good friends who have a great deal of respect for each other’s games. The two are among the league’s elite.
Jokic hopped on the “Curious Mike” podcast with teammate Michael Porter Jr. and he was asked to list his top five players in the league excluding himself. Jokic thought about it and listed Embiid as the No. 1 best player in the game followed by Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry.
Michael Porter Jr. asked Joker for his top 5 best players in the league.
“I’m gonna say Joel [Embiid], Luka, you gotta put KD and LeBron there. Even thought they are a little bit older they can still perform…”
[via Curious Mike/YT] pic.twitter.com/G47yc4PQ9s
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) December 28, 2023
Jokic and the Nuggets will face Embiid and the Sixers on Jan. 16 in Philadelphia and Jan. 27 in Denver. Those will be two very interesting matchups to tune in for as the big men go at it head-to-head.
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