EXC – Iverson: Embiid should be NBA MVP this season ahead of Jokic

EXCLUSIVE: Joel Embiid should be crowned NBA MVP this season ahead of reigning two-time champion Nikola Jokic, believes Allen Iverson – but Philadelphia 76ers legend hails Denver Nuggets center as ‘a bad motherf****r’

• Joel Embiid avg 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in the regular season
• Nikola Jokic averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists in comparison

NBA icon and Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, for so long the cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers, believes Joel Embiid is deserving of this year’s Most Valuable Player award.

Embiid is a leading candidate for the gong alongside two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokic – with both continuing to astound at the center position.

Philadelphia big man Embiid averaged 33.1 points (a league high), 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists as his side finished third in the Eastern Conference regular-season standings with a 54-28 record.

Jokic’s numbers were as equally impressive – leading the Denver Nuggets to first in the Western Conference with a 53-29 record with an average of 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists; as he finished just 0.2 shy in the latter off a triple-double.

Iverson, who was crowned NBA MVP in 2001 with the 76ers and named an All-Star seven times during that spell too, also spent two years at Denver after being traded from Philadelphia – being named an All-Star once more while there.

Joel Embiid (left) should win the NBA MVP ahead of Nikola Jokic (right), believes Allen Iverson

But despite having played for both ball clubs, Iverson’s allegiances are to solely one man as he told Mail Sport exclusively while unveiling the London Coaches Program in March.

‘What sort he question is that?’ he joked as he pinned his mast to Embiid.

‘No, it’s tough because Joker is a bad motherf****r and Embiid is likewise.

‘It’s going to be a rough one but I wouldn’t be upset either way.

‘I think both of them deserve it but somebody has to win.’

Despite both centers looking for personal gain, the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets could meet in the NBA Finals next month if all goes to their plans.

Denver lead the Phoenix Suns 2-0 in their Western Conference semi-final match-up currently, while Philadelphia 76ers are beating bitter rivals the Boston Celtics in their Eastern semi best-of-seven series match-up.

Iverson played for both Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers and Jokic’s Denver Nuggets in his heyday

Iverson spoke exclusively to Mail Sport while unveiling the London Coaches Program in March

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