Sixers fans, we won the battle but lost the war.
Sixers fans, we deserve better. The sixth man in the stands, we fought, scratched, and clawed our way through three seasons of MVP discourse. We were irrational but passionate in our attempts to justify our beliefs.
We fought for Joel Embiid, and he let us down.
Last month, Joel Embiid became the fifth MVP in Sixers franchise history. Embiid received 73 first-place votes, winning over Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antentekumpo.
Embiid’s MVP campaign was eventful; you just had to be there. After thousands of animated debates, zealous player & coach quotes, and some notable Kendrick Perkins rants, Embiid could finally hoist the trophy.
Sixers fans and anti-Jokic media pundits alike rejoiced. We knew all along who the choice was in the Jokic vs. Embiid debates. To hell with the nerdy advanced-stat geeks. Our guy in the red, blue, and white is far better; the trophy proved what we already knew. Or so we thought.
Going into the 2023 NBA Playoffs, I had serious concerns. Concerns I prayed wouldn’t come to light for the sake of my sanity, fanhood, and validation of Embiid’s MVP trophy.
The first round against the Nets was smooth sailing. No one played amazingly, but the overwhelming talent discrepancy was able to ride the Sixers to a sweep. However, like clockwork, reports announced yet another Joel Embiid injury. The seriousness was evident after the newly announced MVP had to be sidelined for two games, including Game 1 against the Nets.
“Harden, sizing up Horford; it’s a three-GOOOOOOOD, Harden’s got 45 [pts].”
“No way we’re losing this series now,” I told my friend after the win. The Sixers went into TD Garden and stole homecourt advantage in the first game of the series on a masterful James Harden performance. A game they played without its best player and reigning MVP, Joel Embiid.
Two weeks later, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Nothing will feel as gut-wrenching as the Kawhi shot, but this came close.
Doc Rivers, going into the contest, had lost an NBA record 31 series-clinching games. But I trusted him.
Joel Embiid had never made it past the second round in his career. But I trusted him.
James Harden never was able to finish the job with the Houston Rockets, combined with a reputation of being a “playoff choker”. But I trusted him.
The Sixers, tied 55–55 at the beginning of the third quarter, allowed a 21–3 run from the Boston Celtics. Yes, a 21–3 run.
I can discuss the shortcomings of Doc Rivers and James Harden, but my focus lies on the franchise’s star player.
Joel Embiid finished game seven with 15 points on 5–18 shooting. He added eight rebounds and one assist. After my frustration ceased, I concluded I was wrong; Nikola Jokic is far better.
That conclusion became undeniable after Jokic’s monstrous playoff performance. The Joker became the first player in NBA history to lead the playoffs in total points, rebounds, and assists. Jokic’s “worst” game these playoffs in game four of the finals, 23/12/4, with three steals and three blocks, could arguably be better than Embiid’s best these playoffs.
There’s nothing offensively Embiid does better than Jokic. Jokic is a better scorer on all three levels, and his touch in the paint makes him the most efficient scorer in the league. In terms of playmaking, it’s no discussion. Not only is Jokic a better pure passer, he’s arguably the league’s best in setting teammates up, allowing them to be the best versions of themselves.
It’s clear that Embiid is superior defensively. He’s one of the best defensive anchors in the league and deters the offense from driving to the paint, while defenders often succeed at intentionally going at Jokic. However, in this area, Jokic was able to raise his floor in the playoffs. Embiid has never been known for rising to the occasion of the playoffs on either end of the floor.
In terms of intangibles, it isn’t close. I have yet to understand why Embiid falls short in this category. Teammates rave about his improved leadership, but it doesn’t show itself on the floor. Embiid’s body language continues to be poor, and he continues to call out teammates in postgame press conferences.
It pains me to write this. I love Joel Embiid, and my fandom for the Sixers runs deep. As a fan of all Philadelphia area teams, I share the Philly vs. everybody attitude the city has had forever. So, to admit this stings. However, it’s something we fans have to admit. You won’t win the Embiid debate anymore, not on social media, not against your coworker or friend.