Julius Erving betrays 76ers, says Nikola Jokic deserves to win MVP

76ers legend Julius Erving appeared on the Rich Eisen show yesterday afternoon, and was of course asked about the ongoing MVP race between Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead of making the right choice and saying Embiid, Dr. J instead picked Jokic to win his second-straight MVP.
“I’m hopeful that Embiid wins it because he does talk about it, and it’s one of those carrots that he’s reaching for. However, I think the most deserving guy is Jokic,”
“He hasn’t missed any games, and night in night out, he’s done it better than he did last year. And he was MVP last year. So when you get even better, I don’t think you lose status. I’m going to vote for Embiid because he’s my guy,”
NOT what I expected from Julius Erving.
Sure, he said he’d vote for Embiid, but saying Jokic deserves it more? It’s all a little too much for my heart to bear.
And, honestly, no disrespect to Dr. J, but his take actually proves itself wrong. I was looking forward to a challenging argument to refute, but it’s really just ignoring the facts. As an arbiter of truth and justice, I cannot abide by this.
The only reason Jokic edged out Embiid for MVP last season was because of Joel’s unfortunate knee injury. So, considering Embiid was going to win last year, has played more games, and has improved since last season.
Using the Good Doctor’s own logic, Joel Embiid should win MVP in 2022. So, in that way, I guess we agree?
Even so… I’m sorry I have to do this.

Mandatory Credit: The Rich Eisen Show