76ers News: Nikola Jokic Names Joel Embiid Top Player in the NBA

Over the past few years, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic have been in constant debate with one another. Despite this, they have done nothing but praise each other when given the opportunity.

Aside from being two of the top players in the league, Embiid and Jokic have battled it out for multiple accolades. Whether it's All-NBA honors or the MVP award, they are some of the most debated players in the league.

Recently, Jokic sat down with teammate Michael Porter Jr. on his podcast. During the episode, he was asked to name the top five players in the NBA right now. The two-time MVP started his list with Embiid before moving on to guys like Luka Donic, LeBron James, and Steph Curry. It's worth noting that Jokic was not allowed to name himself.

Jokic’s top 5 excluding himself:

1. Embiid
2. Luka
3. KD
4. Lebron
5. Curry

No run and dunk man 😭 pic.twitter.com/uKLOZPbpUW
— Aadan (@JMurrayWrld) December 28, 2023

Through the first quarter of the season, Jokic isn't wrong to put Embiid at the top of his list. Aside from himself, the Sixers star has been the clear favorite for MVP this season. Along with taking his game to new heights again, Embiid has carried the Sixers to one of the top records in the Eastern Conference.

So far this year, Embiid is putting up averages of 35.0 PPG, 11.7 RPG, and 6.0 APG. If he keeps this pace, it will mark the third straight season he led the league in scoring. As for the Sixers, they sit in third place in the East with a record of 21-9. They were able to pick up a win in Orlando without Embiid Wednesday, but it marked just the first time this season they won without him in the lineup.

While Embiid started the year strong, things have taken a sharp turn. The All-Star big man has been out of action since rolling his ankle against the Toronto Raptors. Nick Nurse provided an update earlier this week, but there is still no set timetable for his return.