“Take Greek’s Energy, Give It to Embiid”: Former 3x All-Star Obliterates NBA MVP for His “Laziness” With a Giannis Antetokounmpo Comparison

The NBA witnessed an extraordinary race to the MVP award last season. With Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo finishing at the top of the race, it was well established that bigs had taken back control of the league. It was Joel Embiid that emerged victorious at the end of the day, bagging his first ever MVP award. However, he failed to take the Philadelphia 76ers past the second round yet again.

Joel Embiid had an extraordinary season in 2022-23. He averaged a whopping 33.1 PPG and 10.2 RPG to take home both, the MVP award and the scoring title. He also led the Sixers to the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the Sixers were handed an elimination by the Boston Celtics in the second round. In the crucial Game 7 of the series, the regular season MVP only managed to score 15 points. When asked about his attitude, former 3 time All Star, Gilbert Arenas had some comments about the 29 year old, also bringing Giannis Antetokounmpo into the conversation.

Gilbert Arenas compares Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo has achieved the highest pinnacles 0f NBA success before even turning 30. The 28 year old is a 2 time MVP, former Defensive Player of the Year and a 7 time All Star. Although most importantly, he is an NBA champion and a Finals MVP. Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to one of the most significant championship runs in 2021. His sheer passion and effort propelled the team to beat the favourites, Phoenix Suns to win the coveted title. However, his efforts never ended just there.

Antetokounmpo has brought the energy and passion to every game he plays. Whether it is a regular season matchup or a playoff series, the Greek Freak is always the most energetic player on the court. However, Gilbert Arenas felt that the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid lacked this energy.

On his show, “Gil’s Arena”, Gilbert Arenas talked about how much blame Embiid should get for the Sixers’ failure last season. “The problem with him is gonna always be he does enough individually for us to not look at him,” he said. “What you’re doing with the team, what you are equipped with is actually not enough….let me take Greek’s energy, give it to Embiid, what the f**k does he average?….then why the f**k are you happy with 32? If I give him someone else’s energy that he doesn’t have and say alright, what would he be…., that’s what I’m saying he needs to average to get this team to another level“.

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Arenas had his say about Embiid’s energy but he did not stop there. However, he also talked about how Embiid harnesed this energy when the cards were stacked against him.

Arenas talks about the reigning MVP bringing the energy

Embiid was criticized for his lack of energy during crucial stages. However, Arenas also pointed out occasions where he felt Embiid did show glimpses of this energy.

“When he was disrespected about the Jokic, and he gave the man 50,” he pinpointed.  The former Washington Wizards forward also asked why Embiid does not show this on a daily basis. “Why the f**k you not doing that every f**king game? If you’re talking about winning a championship, that’s what you’re gonna have to do, Superman,” he opined.

Answering the initial question, Arenas said, “For me, and looking at the teams he had, with his talent, unstoppable, yes it’s him.”

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The former Wizards star stated Embiid’s role in the Sixers’ failure. He also stated what Embiid needs to do to make championship runs with the Sixers. With all the drama currently surrounding the reigning MVP however, it may not be an easy task. With his superstar teammate James Harden asking out of the franchise, Embiid will have an added responsibility on his shoulders. The franchise will now look for another MVP level performance from “The Process” to carry their team to a deep playoff run.