The 2022–23 NBA season has featured one of the most heated MVP races in recent memory. Nuggets do-it-all center Nikola Jokić is vying for a third-straight MVP, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the mix for his third MVP and first since 2020, and the 76ers’ Joel Embiid is looking to break through for his first.
Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is no stranger to what it takes to win that illustrious award after doing so in 2015 and ’16. While it’s hard to go wrong with any of the three MVP-caliber seasons, Curry believes Embiid has earned his first award this season.
He discussed the pick with Bleacher Report‘s Chris Haynes.
“Any person you pick, their body of work could be compared to Jokić or Giannis. But Joel took a leap that I think a lot of people didn’t expect because he was dominant already,” Curry said. “That leap turned heads and put Philly in a great position. If I had to pick, it would be him.”
Embiid is averaging a career-high 33 points per game, along with 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 blocks. Philadelphia (51–27) sits in third in the Eastern Conference.
Jokić, the reigning MVP, is nearly averaging a triple-double on the season, at 24.9 points, 11.9 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game. The Nuggets (52–26) have the best record in the Western Conference.
Antetokounmpo, who is likely third in the discussion this season, is also averaging a career-high in points (31.1), adding 11.8 rebounds per game. His Milwaukee team also has the NBA’s best record at 56–22.
