Solving the debate: Sixers’ Joel Embiid vs. Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic
So, who’s the better player out of these two. Both players beat each out in different categories and aspects of the game. But, when it comes down to it, as of right now in totality the slight edge goes to Nikola Jokic.
Context does matter, and yes, Nikola Jokic does have an MVP on his resumé, but was he really better than a healthy Embiid last season? When it comes to this argument, as of right now Jokic is the pick for who is the better player because of his high basketball I.Q. and ability to dish out and create for others at such a high level.
Yes, Joel Embiid is quite arguably the most dominant big on the basketball court, yes I believe he will win MVP this season — possibly leapfrogging him above Jokic, or at least putting them back to even standing. But as of right now, given Jokic’s overall ability and how he is seamlessly able to rack up triple-doubles and create for his teammates, putting them in even better positions to help the team score, his lack of elite-level defense isn’t really missed.
This doesn’t mean the argument is over. Just like many debates before this one it will constantly change over the course of these two men’s careers.