Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with a displaced meniscus flap in his left knee, and he is considering surgery, per @ShamsCharania “Embiid’s chances of repeating as MVP are likely over.” (Via bit.ly/3Ouywld)
The NBA MVP race has wildly changed because of Joel Embiid's injury
NBASunday, 04 February 2024 at 08:00
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed all but certain that Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers was on his way to another MVP trophy at the end of the year. But because of a new NBA rule, Embiid will likely be prohibited from being the league's Most Valuable Player. Due to that, a new frontrunner sits atop the list.
Sports Illustrated says that Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets now has the best chance of being named MVP this year, even though he "doesn't have the flashiest scoring totals." However, they note that he shot 66.5% from the field during January and has earned a number of triple-doubles yet again.
As for Embiid, his chance of being MVP in back-to-back seasons is all but extinguished because of an injury he suffered this week. A rule passed by the NBA this year says that players have to participate in at least 65 games during the regular season in order to be in the running for MVP, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year, or any other postseason award.
On Saturday morning, it was reported that Embiid had been officially diagnosed with a displaced meniscus flap in his left knee and is considering surgery. That means he will definitely play less than 65 games and will not be 2023-24's MVP.
While that means that Jokic is now in the lead for this prize, there are other players who could surpass him in the months ahead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Jayson Tatum are just some of the players who might give Jokic a run for his money.
The new 65-game rule has been under fire from certain stars recently, including Draymond Green and Tyrese Haliburton. They believe that Embiid's absences have been legitimate and shouldn't prevent him from being MVP. Despite their opinions, it's unlikely the league will change its position any time soon.
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