“You have to go with Giannis…” Stephen A. Smith after serious thought settles debate between Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP debate

Smith believes that Embiid is a more gifted player based on talent, but has some reservations.

“You have to go with Giannis…” Stephen A. Smith after serious thought settles debate between Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP debate

(L) Joel Embiid; (R) Giannis Antetokounmpo; (M) Stephen A. Smith (Via AP/X)

In a significant development within the NBA MVP discussion, Stephen A. Smith, the highly influential sports commentator, recently on ESPN’s First Take, had his say on the best Eastern Conference NBA player. The debate was between Smith and Monica McNutt.

On who the best player in the Eastern Conference of the NBA is, Smith initially sided with Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. Smith believes that Embiid is a more gifted player based on talent, but lacks durability due to his injury history.

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You want to tell me Joel Embiid is a better talent I am down for that …he has got the entire arsenal. So from a talent perspective not to mention his size and his willingness to defend and block shots of course I would go with Joel Embiid as a talent.

Smith also talked about Embiid’s reliability, especially in the postseason. He also pointed out that Giannis Antetokounmpo has a better resume, being a champion, and his ability to step up during losses.

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But resume, as it pertains to durability you have to go with Giannis. Because Giannis is not only a champion, not only you know a league MVP, defensive player of the year all of this all of this. Giannis obviously has shown up all the time.

Comparing both players’ stats this season, Giannis has averaged 28.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists while playing 9 games. Embiid, on the other hand, has averaged 31.9 points, created 5.5 assists, and has 11.5 rebounds in 8 games. Through the course of last season, Giannis had 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists on average in 63 games, while Embiid had 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.

Joel Embiid unstoppable as Sixers downs Pistons

The Philadelphia 76ers won their 7th consecutive game against the Detroit Pistons by a score of 114-106 last week. Joel Embiid recorded 33 points and 16 rebounds, handling the Pistons their seventh straight loss in a row. This victory was a first in the NBA In-Season Tournament for the 76ers.

Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid (via NBA.com)

In the game with the Pistons, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris played sufficient roles in the victory. Maxey had 29 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Tobias had 24 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Proving that the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t just about Joel Embiid.

Embiid’s recent performance showcased not only his exceptional skill on the court but the pivotal role he played in his team’s success. Coupled with his exceptional scoring ability, dominant presence and defensive prowess, fans would expect the 76ers to compete for the NBA championship. Up next for the 76ers is a visit by the Indiana Pacers.

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