3 reasons Nikola Jokic should be the undisputed MVP

DENVER, CO - APRIL 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after a win against the New Orleans Pelicans at Ball Arena on April 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. 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 C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) /

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2. Joel Embiid has missed too many games

Let’s consider Jokic and Embiid, the two favorites for the award. The former has played in every single game this season. The latter has missed 19 games.

How can Embiid be the MVP if he misses around 20 games in an already shortened 72-game campaign? That’s more than 25 percent of the season! His average stats may also be slightly inflated because of the lack of a larger sample size.

Jokic averages more minutes, rebounds and assists per game. Embiid would have to be blowing him out of the water in every single category to truly set himself apart as the favorite while playing fewer games. Averaging roughly three more points per game is not enough to make a case.

A true MVP needs to be available for their team. That is part of the inherent value of having an elite player. The Philadelphia 76ers sit atop the Eastern Conference, but Embiid has missed a giant chunk of games, so it’s clear his team has been able to succeed without him as well. The Nuggets would be a different story if Jokic missed a similar amount of games.

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