NBA insider REVEALS Joel Embiid ready to sacrifice MVP trophy for healthy play-offs run
Joel Embiid has altered his goals for this season, prefers to be healthy for the playoffs than risk it all for the MVP trophy.
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Joel Embiid has altered his priorities this season, prefers to vie for the NBA Championship, even if it means missing out on the MVP (image via Twitter)
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid is in a bit of a pickle. The Philadelphia 76ers superstar is having a career year. He is the front-runner for the MVP race this season. But he could face elimination from the race if he misses another five games. That is the rule after the league introduced the 65-game minimum limit for regular season awards. But it seems, as per insider news, Embiid does not care.
During the game against the Golden State Warriors, NBA Insider Chris Haynes talked to the commentators about Embiid’s situation. Haynes said that he has insider information from a close source who suggested that the Philadelphia 76ers superstar did not mind missing out on the MVP trophy as long as he can remain healthy for the playoffs. He added that after last season, Embiid changed his priorities when he was not fully healthy during the playoffs.
He missed out on the games against Denver and Portland to rest his sore left knee. Embiid injured the same knee today when Warriors star Jonathan Kuminga fell on top of it while fighting for a jump ball. Embiid left the game, limping his way to the locker room. There will be an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury.
These sorts of injuries could derail the championship aspirations of the 76ers. They need Embiid healthy for a deep playoff run. After winning the MVP award last year, the 76ers big man was exhausted. This caused inconsistent performances from him. These issues led to a second-round playoff exit.
Joel Embiid and the NBA’s 65-game rule
When the NBA introduced the rule, the first name that came to the mind of basketball fans and analysts was Joel Embiid. The 76ers big man has played more than 65 games only twice in his seven years in the league. Once the rule was brought in, basketball fans knew the target was Embiid and a few other players.
The rule prevents players from taking time off from the regular season. It encourages participation throughout the 82-game season. The rule, if broken, has detrimental effects on not only end-of-season awards but also future contracts. Superstars such as Embiid stand to lose on both counts.
Embiid wants to be healthy for the playoffs. The NBA Championship is what matters to him now. If it means losing out on the MVP trophy, so be it.
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Joseph Varghese
(2268 Articles Published)