The MVP race in the NBA has drawn a lot of controversy in recent years as people around the league continue to wonder what Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has to do in order to finally win one.
Embiid has been the runner-up in the MVP voting in both 2021 and 2022 as Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic has taken home the award both times. While Jokic has certainly been deserving of the award, a lot of people thought Embiid would win it after he led the league in scoring in the 2021-22 season.
After another dominant performance on Tuesday when he put up 39 points with seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Embiid caught up with Chris Haynes on the sideline. He then gave his thoughts on the MVP race:
I feel like, obviously, being in the running the last few years has been whatever and this year, I’ve taken a different approach. Just trying to focus on the right things. Win games, dominate which I’ve been doing and whatever happens, happens. Obviously, who wouldn’t want to win one? That’s the best award anyone can get, but like I said, I’m just focused on making sure first of all, staying healthy, winning games and dominating, but I’m excited about the playoffs. I feel good. I feel good about myself and my team. I just want to make sure that all of us get there healthy and we do what we gotta do.
Embiid is certainly taking the right approach. The MVP award is important in terms of building up the resume, but at this stage, it is important that he is ready for the playoffs. Philadelphia will go as far as he takes them and he has to be ready and healthy for the postseason. His injuries have hindered their playoff runs in the past so the key for him is to be ready for April and May at this point.
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Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire