The NBA MVP contenders for the 2022-23 season are a long list of solid performers. Luka Doncic has been out guns blazing, with outstanding performances throughout. Stephen Curry has yet to return from injury but has already shown signs of brilliance in his playing time. Giannis Antetokounmpo averages 32.7 PPG for the season. However, NBA legend, Julius Erving decided to leave out all of them for his 2022-23 NBA MVP winner.

Erving’s pick for the Michael Jordan Trophy 2022-23 was the 76ers star, Joel Embiid. Although the NBA superstar has been sublime, Erving did acknowledge his biases because of his history with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Julius Erving predicts Joel Embiid as the 2022-23 Michael Jordan Trophy winner

The Philadelphia 76ers legend sat down with ESPN recently and named his pick for the Michael Jordan Trophy. “I said I’m biased, you know,” said Dr. J. He further added, “I’m East Coast and I’m Philly born and bred. I mean I’m from New York, but Philly’s my second home. So I gotta go with Joel [Embiid], he’s been knocking at the door, came up just short. So he’s constantly challenging himself ‘What do I have to do?’ when he’s leading the league in scoring.”

Dr. J emphasized Embiid being the runner-up in the MVP race for the past two seasons. Embiid does lead the league in scoring and is gelling up well with Harden on the court.?

The Michael Jordan Trophy is looking for its first winner and Embiid’s performance might be inviting. The MVP Trophy was renamed to the Michael Jordan Trophy last month in honor of the Chicago Bulls legend.

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The 76ers legend or the NBA fandom isn’t oblivious to Embiid’s consistency on the court. The 76ers no. 21, isn’t just a good choice, he’s a great choice. And should most probably be the winner of the first Michael Jordan Trophy.?

Joel Embiid’s unbelievable performances in the 2022-23 season

The 76ers superstar is averaging 33.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, and 4.6 APG in the 2022-23 season. He has dropped 40 pts on four occasions this season and 50 on one occasion.

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His performances are unfazed even if his team isn’t producing the best performances. Embiid dropped 48 points against the Washington Wizards in the face of a five-point loss at the end of last month.