The latest episode of The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone is out and dives deep into the ongoing MVP race, with a particular focus on Joel Embiid‘s recent absence and the surrounding controversy. Joining Patrick Beverley and Rone, was former NBA star and current ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson, offering his insights on the heated competition between Joel Embiid and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.

Prior to Embiid’s temporary exit from the race due to injury concerns, the two big men were locked in a tight battle for the coveted award. January 28th, 2024 was the last match-up between the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers, and Embiid, amidst whispers of injury, sat out for the 4th consecutive time in Denver. The Nuggets ultimately emerged victorious, 111-105, further fueling the narrative.

Last year, Embiid faced similar accusations of dodging Jokic after sitting out a game in Denver with a reported calf injury. This year, when it became clear he wouldn’t be playing, chants of “Where’s Embiid?” echoed through the arena, highlighting the growing skepticism surrounding his absences.

On the podcast, Jefferson, while acknowledging the sensitivity of injuries, pointed out the recurring pattern of Embiid missing games in Denver since 2019, “I got a little heat from Joel Embiid…because when he didn’t play in that Denver game, I said this very clearly, ‘I will never question a player’s injury, I would never disrespect a player’. But at some point in time, you have to recognize that this is a pattern of behavior that he has not played in Denver since 2019, I believe.”

Jefferson added, “In my opinion, that’s the one game in the Western conference that he should have circled, against Jokic. If you’re injured, you’re injured. Whatever you gotta do around that, but don’t play 8 games before that.”

The debate continues

Embiid’s teammate, Patrick Beverley, came to his defense, citing the “65-game rule” – an unofficial guideline for players aiming to qualify for the MVP award and explained, “Can’t say that cos he’s playing the 65-games rule…. I told Joel to not play two weeks before that… I gotta make 65 games to get MVP and also million and millions and millions of dollars…I’m witnessing people spraying numbing spray on his knees during the game…Sh*t I’ve never seen before just to get through the third quarter. People don’t understand that he was giving 30s and 40s in the third quarter because that’s all he had.”

However, Jefferson ended the topic of conversation by adding, “Try and do what you need to so we can see the matchups that the league deserves… that you as a f**king MVP deserve.”

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Despite the controversy, Embiid delivered a dominant performance in the Sixers’ 126-121 win over the Nuggets on January 16th. He dropped 41 points and dished out 10 assists, showcasing his offensive prowess. However, he also acknowledged Jokic’s exceptional talent, complimenting him on his game and congratulating him on the Nuggets’ championship win in the post-game interview.

While Embiid’s absence opens the door for other contenders like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic to fight for the MVP title, his impressive stats and dedication to playing through injuries continue to spark rows. However, the “pattern of behavior” in Denver remains a major point of debate. Comment your thoughts below!