PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Nikola Jokic #15 of ... [+] the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 28, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been the front-runner for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award for the past few months, but Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo aren't going down without a fight.
Heading into Saturday, Embiid was the slight MVP favorite at -175, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, although Jokic (+270) and Antetokounmpo (+420) aren't far behind. Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is the only other player on the board at +12000, which means this is down to a three-man race heading into the final two weeks of the 2022-23 season.
Although plenty of fans and analysts thought Jokic had his third straight MVP in the bag earlier this season, this race remains wide-open.
Shortly after Antetokounmpo's Bucks reeled off a 16-game winning streak—which Embiid's Sixers snapped in Milwaukee—Jokic's Nuggets dropped four straight games and lost five in a six-game stretch. Meanwhile, the Sixers rattled off an eight-game win streak of their own, starting with that victory over the Bucks.
All three players will have a chance to make their closing statement against one another over the coming days, too. The Nuggets are hosting the Bucks on Saturday and the Sixers on Monday, while the Sixers head back to Milwaukee on Saturday, April 2 for their final game against the Bucks this season. Those head-to-head results could help sway voters in one direction or another, particularly if one of the MVP candidates decisively outplays the others.
Embiid started closing Jokic's lead in the MVP odds after a come-from-behind 126-119 victory over the Nuggets in late January. He went off for a game-high 47 points on 18-of-31 shooting, 18 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, while Jokic sputtered after halftime thanks to the Sixers' decision to switch P.J. Tucker onto him defensively. Embiid also had 31 points on 11-of-22 shooting, 10 assists and six rebounds in the furious rally over Milwaukee in early March, including a go-ahead three-pointer with 42 seconds left.
While the discourse around this year’s MVP race has grown increasingly toxic, Jokic, Embiid and Antetokounmpo are all worthy candidates. In fact, all three are vastly outpacing the production of some past MVPs.
Jokic is averaging nearly 25 points per game on a league-high 70.5 true shooting percentage, and he's threatening to become the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double across an entire season. He also leads the league in most (all?) catch-all advanced metrics, including box plus/minus, value over replacement player, PER and win shares. Despite their recent slump, the Nuggets are also three games ahead of the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies for the best record in the West.
Embiid is leading the league in scoring for the second straight season with a career-high 33.4 points on a career-high 54.7 percent shooting. In March, he set a Sixers franchise record with 10 straight 30-plus-point games, and he tied LeBron James' all-time NBA record with seven straight games of 30-plus points on 55 percent shooting or better. The Sixers have the league's third-best offense and sixth-best defense in large part because of him.
Antetokounmpo's efficiency is slightly lower (54.9 percent) than it has been in seasons past, but he's making up for it with a career-high 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. He isn't just the only player who's averaging 30-10-5 this season; he's the only player averaging even 25-10-5. The Bucks also have the NBA’s best record at 53-20 and the best defense.
How all three players—and their respective teams—finish the season could wind up deciding this year's MVP race.
"Right now in the MVP race, I think it’s Joel. I think it’s Joel’s award to lose," Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said on a recent episode of his podcast. (And that was before Embiid went off for 46 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in a shorthanded loss to the Warriors on Friday.) "I think the way he loses that award is (if) his team starts losing. Joel’s going to put up Joel numbers, Joel going to do what Joel has been doing. It’s Joel’s award to lose."
The Sixers have the NBA's toughest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon, as their opponents have a combined .572 winning percentage. They finish a back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday before Monday's showdown with Jokic and the Nuggets, and they still have games left against the Bucks, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets as well.
Following the Nuggets' two-game slate against the Bucks and Sixers, they'll face the New Orleans Pelicans next Thursday and then head to Phoenix on the second night of a back-to-back (with Kevin Durant likely back in the fold). They close out the season with a three-game road trip against the Houston Rockets, Suns and Utah Jazz before hosting the Sacramento Kings at home on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Bucks might have the easiest remaining schedule of the three. While they still have games left against the Nuggets, Sixers and Celtics, they also face the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, all of whom are either already eliminated from playoff contention or are on the fringes of the play-in tournament. That could buy them an opportunity to rest Antetokounmpo and their other key stars ahead of the playoffs, which might hurt his chances to make a huge statement in these final two weeks.
If the Sixers start to skid—particularly with the availability of James Harden (Achilles) in question—they'll leave the door wide open for Jokic or Antetokounmpo to supplant Embiid as the MVP favorite. But if Embiid outplays Jokic and Antetokounmpo and guides the Sixers to wins over the Nuggets and Bucks, that might be enough to seal up the MVP that has eluded him over the past few seasons.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball Reference. All salary information via Spotrac or RealGM. All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Bryan Toporek, Senior Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2023/03/25/joel-embiid-is-the-current-nba-mvp-favorite-but-its-still-anyones-race/
By: Bryan Toporek, Senior Contributor
Title: Joel Embiid Is The Current NBA MVP Favorite, But It's Still Anyone's Race
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2023/03/25/joel-embiid-is-the-current-nba-mvp-favorite-but-its-still-anyones-race/
Published Date: 03-25-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented basketball?
It is not clear where the original origins for basketball were, however, many believe that James Naismith developed the game while he was a teacher at Springfield College (now YMCA Training School) in Springfield. Naismith established the basics of the game and then nailed a basket with peaches onto an elevated track. He broke his class down into nine teams, and then began to teach his new game "Basket Ball" to his students. The original version was played with a soccerball and two peach baskets, which were attached to each side of the gym. Players were limited to shooting at the basket from below, and goaltending was not yet part of the game. The game spread rapidly across America. In the early 1900s, professional basketball teams were playing in large arenas. It is still one of the most beloved sports in the globe.
What is the greatest NBA family?
This topic is hotly debated and has been talked about for decades. The "showtime Lakers of 80-1989" dominated this league for almost a decade, winning five championships. During this period, superstars like James Worthy, Byron Scott and Kurt Rambis were part of the Lakers' roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers from 200-2004 (later the Shaw and Kobe Lakers), were a force that had to be reckoned. They were defended by Shaquille and Kobe Bryant, both Hall of Famers. They won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.
The Chicago Bulls of 1995-1996 were also a dominant force in that era. They won six championships with Phil Jackson as their head coach and were led by Michael Jordan, widely considered the greatest player of our time. The Chico Bulls of 1995-1996 is among one of the most legendary teams in NBA history as they completed the first of three consecutive NBA championships and posted a then-record 72 wins that season. In 2015-2016 the Bulls' 72-10 record for regular season broke by the Golden State Warriors.
The Boston Celtics of the 1960s are perhaps the most famed dynasty in the history of the NBA, winning eight consecutive championships and 11 titles in 13 years under Hall of Fame head coach Red Auerbach. Led by legendary players such as Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones, the Celtics created a winning culture that has been unmatched for decades.
The San Antonio Spurs are a contender for best NBA dynasty. From 1999 to 2007, the Spurs won 4 championships, and had one of league's greatest runs. They were led by future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, as well as Gregg Popovich who was their head coach. Their basketball approach improved, emphasizing team-first mentality, which made them successful.
With four NBA championships over the past decade, the Golden State Warriors are one the most successful teams ever. Steve Kerr and superstar players Stephen Curry (Kevin Durant), Klay Thompson (head coach) lead them. The Warriors' exciting brand of basketball has been a hit with fans all over the globe and they are now considered the greatest NBA Dynasty.
In conclusion, picking one team as the greatest NBA dynasty of all time isn't easy. Each team had its unique group of players and coaches that made them successful, but some stood out more than others due to their dominance. The Lakers, Bulls, Celtics, Spurs and Warriors would make a strong case for the greatest NBA dynasty.
What's the time frame to become a NBA superstar?
It takes an immense amount of time and dedication to become a professional NBA superstar truly. To become a NBA superstar requires years of hardwork, physical conditioning, skill development, and years of dedication. Most players spend between three- and five years at college learning their skills before they can be drafted. Once drafted, players must continue to excel in the NBA, earn a starting spot on their team, and make All-Star teams or MVP awards. Doing so requires even more training and professional guidance from coaches and trainers. To become a NBA star is not something you can do in a matter of days or years. It takes dedication, commitment, and time to reach such accolades. If you are determined and have the right mindset, you can achieve your goals and become a NBA Superstar!
When did Bill Russell pass away?
"The great ones are the ones who play when it matters most." -Bill Russell
A legend lives for ever. A legend dies when he stops playing.
But for those few moments, the greatest basketball player gave us a glimpse of his greatness.
Russell was born in February 1934. He died on July 31, 2022. In only thirteen seasons, Russell won 11 championships with Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell was awarded five MVP awards, 12 All-Star selections, and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was a brilliant leader and defender who revolutionized basketball with his passion for winning.
He transformed the Celtics from a mediocre team to one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. He was a tough competitor and an unselfish teammate, who inspired his teammates towards their full potential.
Russell has inspired generations of players, coaches, and fans alike. His legacy is irreplaceable.
Rest in Peace, Bill Russell. We will forever remember you as one of basketball's greatest players.
How much do NBA players make?
The average salary in the NBA for the 2021-2022 season is $7.3 million. This figure is calculated using the maximum salary limit of $134million that was set for this year. However, the salaries of individual players can vary depending upon their experiences and achievements.
Kevin Durant and LeBron James are superstar players who can make upwards of $40 million per year. Rookies, on the other hand, may only earn $898,310. Other veteran players could be eligible for exception salaries that range from $4.76million to $9.258million, depending on how many years they have been playing. Based on team performance, players could also earn incentives or bonuses.
Statistics
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
sbnation.com
nba.com
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
si.com
- NBA Free Agency Preview - Biggest Questions and Rumors
- Free from Quarantine: The NBA bubble Is A Unique Experience
How To
When an NBA player is injured, are they paid?
NBA players who have guaranteed contracts get their money regardless of whether they are hurt or otherwise unable to play. Some even make millions without ever playing a basketball game. However, they may lose out on bonus payments and their contract might not be renewed. However, players on non-guaranteed agreements will not be paid until they can play again in the NBA. For those who qualify, the NBA may offer assistance with disability payments or a settlement in a lump sum. However, no guarantees of payment are made for injury-related absences. On a case by case basis, leagues and teams can assist those in financial need.
Through the Injury Disability Plan, assistance can also be provided by teams. It all depends on the situation of each individual and his team. In some cases, players may be allowed to bargain with their teams for some compensation during an injury absence. The league and the team cannot guarantee payment for injuries, but players need to be aware that they can help. Each situation is different and should be evaluated individually. The NBA has a comprehensive set of rules regarding injuries and payments during injury absences-- understanding these can help players come to agreements with teams or make informed decisions about their financial security. If you have questions or concerns, it's important to seek professional advice.
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