The NBA has always been driven by rivalries that captivate fans and define legacies. One of the most enduring debates in recent years has centered on the competition between two of the league’s premier centers: Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid. These two players have dominated the center position, each possessing a unique set of skills that make them formidable forces on the court. While Jokic recently led the Nuggets to an NBA championship, Embiid has yet to advance past the Conference Semifinals. Yet, despite Jokic’s success on the grandest stage, there remains a strong contingent of fans, analysts, and former players who argue that Embiid is still the better player.
One such voice in this debate is former three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who has frequently spoken on the topic. During an episode of The Gil’s Arena Show, Arenas made the bold claim that Embiid has been “robbed” of accolades, including the MVP award, because of the NBA’s new 65-game rule for winning regular-season awards. “Twenty-something years from now, because no one is gonna remember this part in history that this came in, and he lost his MVP because of a rule,” Arenas stated. “He’s not going to be put into history fairly.”
When it comes to regular-season matchups, Embiid has had the upper hand, boasting a 6-2 record over Jokic since December 2019. In those games, Embiid has outperformed Jokic statistically, averaging 27.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game compared to Jokic’s 22.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. These numbers are often cited by Embiid supporters as evidence that the 76ers’ big man is the superior player, especially in head-to-head matchups.
However, the comparison becomes murky when shifting focus to the postseason, where Jokic has thrived and Embiid has faltered. Jokic’s playoff performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. He led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, further solidifying his place as one of the game’s most dominant players. During that playoff run, Jokic averaged a triple-double, showcasing his all-around game, which includes elite passing, scoring, and rebounding. Meanwhile, Embiid has struggled to lead the 76ers deep into the postseason, often plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances from his supporting cast.
This divergence in playoff success has led many to view Jokic as the superior player, particularly when discussing legacy. After all, championships are the ultimate measure of success in the NBA, and Jokic has delivered when it matters most. Despite Embiid’s regular-season dominance and MVP award in 2023, he has yet to make a deep playoff run, leaving some to question his ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage.
Gilbert Arenas’ argument that Embiid has been unfairly treated in terms of accolades is centered on the new NBA rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for awards such as MVP. Embiid has missed significant time throughout his career due to injuries, and Arenas believes this has skewed public perception and cost Embiid some accolades that would have otherwise bolstered his legacy.
“He’s probably the best player in the league,” Arenas said of Embiid, adding, “Him and Jokic are fighting for who is number one.” However, Arenas believes that history will not look kindly on how Embiid’s career has been evaluated due to the constraints imposed by the 65-game rule. He also pointed out that Embiid has outperformed Jokic in their head-to-head matchups, further solidifying his belief that Embiid is being undervalued.
While Arenas makes a compelling case, it’s worth noting that Jokic has remained remarkably durable throughout his career. His ability to consistently stay on the court has been a significant factor in his success. In a league where availability is often considered as important as talent, Jokic’s durability has been a key advantage over Embiid.
What ultimately sets Jokic apart from Embiid, at least for now, is his championship success. Leading the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA title, Jokic proved he can deliver when the stakes are highest. His basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and leadership were on full display during the Nuggets’ run, culminating in his Finals MVP award. This achievement has catapulted Jokic into the conversation as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
For Embiid, the challenge moving forward will be to translate his regular-season dominance into playoff success. While his individual talent is undeniable, he has yet to prove that he can carry a team to the Finals. The 2024 season represents another opportunity for Embiid to break through, especially with the 76ers undergoing significant changes in the offseason.
The debate over who is the better player between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid is likely to persist for years to come. While Jokic has the championship hardware and playoff success to bolster his case, Embiid’s dominance in their regular-season matchups and individual accolades make him a legitimate contender for the title of best center in the league.
Ultimately, this rivalry encapsulates the beauty of NBA debates—different players bring unique skills and strengths, and both Jokic and Embiid have their own claims to greatness. As their careers continue to evolve, fans will watch closely to see who truly emerges as the top player of their generation. But for now, the edge belongs to Jokic, thanks to his championship pedigree and ability to perform when it matters most.
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