Joel Embiid Gets Denied “Best Player” Tag by Ex-76ers Coach for MVP Rival Nikola Jokic: “Nothing Like It”

Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic are two of the most dominant players in the NBA. They have redefined the Center position with their unique skill set. Embiid and Jokic are the leaders of their respective teams, but their playing style is very different from each other. With Jokic having won two MVP trophies and Embiid being the reigning MVP, there has been a constant debate about which Center is the best basketball player in the world.

Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers ended the debate once and for all by denying Joel Embiid the “Best Player” tag and picking The Joker instead.

Doc Rivers picks Nikola Jokic over Joel Embiid

Legendary head coach Doc Rivers sat down with former Boston Celtics superstars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce on an episode of KG Certified. During their conversation, Paul Pierce asked Rivers if Nikola Jokic was the best player in the NBA right now. “Yeah, because he (Nikola Jokic) does everything. Joel’s the best scorer,” Rivers responded. Joel Embiid’s former head coach called Jokic the best player in the world over Embiid because of his ability to make his teammates better. “Man, there is nothing like it. That’s what makes him so good,” Rivers added.

Meanwhile, Rivers called Embiid the best pure scorer in the NBA. Rivers gave both superstars their flowers in just one statement. Both Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid have the right to call themselves the best players in the league. The Joker is the reigning Finals MVP and the leader of the defending Champions, the Denver Nuggets. He has revolutionized the Big Man position with his playmaking ability and versatile skill set.

Jokic is averaging a near triple-double with 26.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.2 assists. Embiid, on the other hand, is the reigning MVP and a scoring machine. He is averaging 35 points and 11.7 rebounds.

Read More: Why Is Joel Embiid Not Playing the Christmas Game vs Heat? Shocking Update on 76ers Star Amid Dominant Stretch

Which Center will come out on top this season?

Like most seasons in recent years, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic are once again the frontrunners in the MVP race. Jokic has led the Nuggets to the 2nd spot in the Western Conference, and Embiid has led the Philadelphia 76ers to the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference. While The Joker dominates his opponents every night with his diverse bag, Embiid puts on a scoring clinic in each game to get the win.

The MVP race this year will be one of the closest in recent memory, and it will be interesting to see which player comes out on top. The winner of this year’s MVP award will give bragging rights to one of the Centers for calling themselves the best player in the world.

Watch This Story: Alperen Sengun Muffling Nikola Jokic and Co at Home Takes NBA World by Surprise