NBA’s 65-game rule will hurt Joel Embiid legacy in race with Nikola Jokic, claims ex-player
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas made a bold claim regarding Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic on the Gil's Arena Podcast.
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Joel Embiid and Gilbert Arenas
Over the years, the NBA has come up with various new rules for the betterment of the league, its fans, and the franchises. Notably, during the 2023–24 season, the NBA implemented a new rule limiting contenders for major NBA awards to those who had participated in at least 65 games.
This rule came as a piece of bittersweet news for many talented NBA stars, mostly for the Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid. To be eligible for MVP, Sixth Man of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Clutch Player of the Year, a player must have a minimum attendance of 79%.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has claimed that Embiid is one of the best players in the NBA. He opined that the only thing preventing him from keeping up with Nikola Jokic is the NBA’s new 65-game minimum requirement.
Nobody gonna remember the part of history this came in. He lost his MVP because of a rule, He’s probably the best player in the league, him and Jokic are fighting for who is number one but I don’t think his legacy is gonna mirror that… if you put the 65-game rule in and then go back across the board, you will see that a lot of these accolades would have been taken away.
Gilbert Arenas said on the Gil’s Arena Podcast
Joel Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 52.9% shooting last season. This put him on pace to earn MVP for the second time in a row. However, he suffered a mid-season injury that kept him out for months.
On his return, the season had already begun, so Embiid was ineligible for any individual awards despite playing 39 games. He will now have to stay fit if he hopes to battle it out for the top accolades in his career.
Joel Embiid once claimed he would be in a GOAT conversation if not for ‘injuries’
Joel Embiid has been one of the best centers alongside Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the NBA over the last few years. Statistically, Embiid was putting up monstrous numbers, garnering much attention from the NBA community.
Unfortunately, injuries took a toll on the Philadelphia 76ers ‘Big Man’ which has hampered him from reaching his full potential. Despite this, Embiid once made a bold declaration, stating that he would be in ‘GOAT Conversations’ if not for his injuries.
I think so. I think I’m that talented. Obviously you need to win championships, and to win championships you need other guys. You can’t do it by yourself. I want to win so bad.
Joel Embiid said on the New York Times Podcast
Ever since Embiid joined the NBA in 2014, injuries have plagued his career. He has yet to play more than 70 games in a season and even missed his first two seasons completely because of a foot issue.
There is no denying Embiid’s talent despite these issues. It will be interesting to watch how Embiid focuses on his health and fitness in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
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Kartik Mudaliar
(844 Articles Published)