While the league has players like Stephen Curry and James Harden, on one hand, players such as Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid take up the other half. Amazing in their own right, these stars have helped take their teams to a completely different level. However, that does not prevent the criticism that comes their way.

During a recent segment, analyst Stephen A. Smith shared his views about Jokic and his performances. Though Smith seemed like he was about to compliment Jokic, he ended up choosing Embiid over him by the end.

Stephen A. Smith roasts Nikola Jokic while choosing Joel Embiid

During his segment, Smith referred to Jokic as ‘special’. However, it ended up with the 54-year-old roasting Jokic. “For me it would be Embiid. Jokic is no joke. He is an MVP candidate,” Smith said. “He is something special, he really really is. Um, he’s a big boy that knows how to use all that pork. He knows how to use it. I’m just telling you. He amazes me. You can’t stop him, he’s phenomenal”. 

Even if Smith’s words seemed like a compliment, he was only roasting the 26-year-old and ended up choosing Joel Embiid over the Serbian.

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Fans react

Naturally, fans had varied reactions over what Smith had to say. While some supported Embiid and agreed with Smith, others ended up siding with Jokic and defending him. After all, Denver Nuggets fans want Jokic to win another NBA MVP award, and agree that he has helped change the course of the organization.

“Seriously???” one fan wrote, stating that just as a player, Jokic is way more skilled than Embiid. They added that Jokic ultimately makes the players better, and Embiid is not actually leading. Some even compared him to Giannis Antetokounmpo, telling Smith that they should ask Embiid to make the conference finals first.

The Nuggets seemed to have flourished under Jokic, who continues to play for his team.

This season, the Joker is averaging 25.9 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. The Nuggets last played the Los Angeles Clippers, where Jokic finished with an impressive 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Halfway through the season already, the Nuggets will take on the Memphis Grizzlies next.

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What do you think about Stephen A. Smith’s choice? Who would be your pick? Let us know.