Nikola Jokic Thinks Joining Forces With Joel Embiid 'Could Work'

Nikola Jokic thinks playing with Joel Embiid could work "in the future."

Over the last two years, Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid were in a two-man race for the NBA’s MVP award. Both times, Jokic was favored by the voters and took home the hardware.

Although social media likes to make Embiid versus Jokic a rivalry, the reality is that both bigs have respect for one another and appreciate what they each bring to the court on a nightly basis. Although Embiid and Jokic are typically opponents twice a year, on Sunday night, they got to compete alongside each other in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.

Embiid was LeBron James’ first selection in the draft, which took place before the game. Jokic was the final pick from the starters’ pool. 

Embiid checked in for a little under 30 minutes on Sunday night, shooting 14-19 from the field and scoring 32 points. Meanwhile, Jokic took just four shots, putting up four points in 20 minutes. As always, the big man was active in the playmaking department, producing six assists.

After the game, Jokic was asked about how it felt to play alongside the Sixers’ star. The Nuggets’ big man not only enjoyed sharing the court with Embiid but mentioned the idea of potentially teaming up in the future somehow.

“I think it's fun. I think we could play together,” Jokic told reporters after the game. “He needs to play the four, of course, because he can defend a little bit more than I. I love to play with a big man who is really dominant, so I think it could work in the future.”

Embiid to Denver? Jokic to Philly? Both would go somewhere else? Imagine that.

As of now, the chances of either of those guys leaving their current organizations are slim to none. Since getting drafted in 2014, Embiid has shown tons of loyalty to the Sixers and is under contract in Philadelphia until 2027. 

Jokic entered the league during the same draft year as Embiid in 2014. He’s signed on in Denver until 2028. The NBA has changed dramatically in recent years, with superstars under contract for several years forcing their way out of their current situations. 

But neither Embiid nor Jokic have displayed frustrations towards their organization. Never say never when it comes to the NBA, but the All-Star game is probably the only time Embiid and Jokic will team up anytime in the near future. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.