Niang, 76ers Aren't Getting 'Emotional' About Embiid's MVP Race
As the NBA MVP race has the finish line in sight with the 2022-2023 regular season coming to an end soon, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is once again in a tight battle.
Over the last two seasons, Embiid was a finalist for the award. Both times, he was the runner-up alongside Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Once again, Embiid and Jokic are near the top of the MVP ladder, and Sixers fans are already preparing for the idea that Embiid could come up short once again.
Last season, Embiid’s teammates found it unbelievable that the big man didn’t take home the hardware. This year, Embiid’s veteran teammate Georges Niang is trying to take a different approach as Embiid continues dominating down the stretch of the season.
“After last year, I try not to get too emotionally wrapped up in it,” Niang said on Friday night regarding the MVP race. “I get to see the best centers and one of the best centers to ever play the game, the best center right now in the game, work, craft, and I focus more on appreciating that rather than doing the whole comparison thing.”
Just a few nights ago, Joel Embiid mentioned that his focus isn’t on trying to win MVP, as the Sixers are looking to make a title run after coming up short in the second round once again. With the big man having his focus elsewhere, his mentality has shifted his teammate’s thoughts as well.
“I don't pay attention to that because, at the end of the day, like, why would we put any value into what other people think about the things that we craft during the day?” Niang continued. “I get to see Joel work tirelessly at his game, and it shows. If he doesn't win the MVP, that doesn't mean he's not the MVP. I mean, it's just some people decided.”
In 55 games this season, Embiid is once again leading the league in scoring with 34 points per game. He’s also shot the ball at a career-high percentage, knocking down 54 percent of his shots. In addition to his scoring, Embiid also averaged ten rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks per game.
“What he’s doing is remarkable,” Niang finished. “At his size, what we ask him to do on a night-to-night basis — stay healthy to take on double teams, to be able to pass, make shots and free throws — he’s been amazing.”
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
