‘Wanted To Be Like Hakeem, MJ, and, Giannis’- Joel Embiid Reveals Major Individual Goal In His Career
Follow Us
Joel Embiid is one of the front-runners for MVP this season. While this year’s MVP race has been hotly contested in a way we haven’t seen in years, Embiid believes he has a good chance. Despite missing time due to injury, Embiid is currently considered second only to Nikola Jokic in the MVP race.
However, the motivation to win does not end with the MVP. There are other trophies that Embiid has in mind, including a unique double-victory feat we have seen only thrice before.
Embiid wants to replicate Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo by winning both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. While he wants the MVP this year, he doesn’t mind losing the DPOY to Ben Simmons.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’ve always wanted to be like Hakeem and MJ, or Giannis last year to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. But I have a lot of years in the league, and at some point, that is something I wanna do. But when it comes to it, I hope he (Ben) wins it.”
Michael Jordan achieved this feat in the 1987-88 season for the Chicago Bulls. Hakeem Olajuwon did this in 1993-94 for the Houston Rockets. Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved this feat just last year, winning both the trophies for the 2019-20 season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Joel Embiid: Can he join this historic trio?
Joel Embiid has all the tools for a player to win both MVP and DPOY. While this is his best season in the NBA to date, there is still room to grow for Embiid. He is going deep into the MVP race with Nikola Jokic, but isn’t considered atop the DPOY list for this year. Players like teammate Simmons, Rudy Gobert, and others are considered better favored for the award.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Billionaire Michael Jordan’s Drink With Derek Jeter Was Enough for Yankees Legend to Invest in $11.69 Billion Worth Industry
May 03, 2024 01:00 PM EDT
Shaquille O’Neal and TNT Co-Hosts to Part Ways After 13 Years? Analyzing “Inside the NBA” Hurdles That Might End an Era
May 04, 2024 02:30 PM EDT
Ty Lue Doesn’t Want To Coach Lakers & LeBron James As Billionaire Steve Ballmer’s Charm Traps 47YO Veteran
May 04, 2024 06:42 AM EDT
Brittney Griner Blasts WNBA for Ruining Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso’s Debut: “In No World Does It Make Sense…”
May 04, 2024 01:10 PM EDT
Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $20 Million Venture’s Identical Logo to Puma Gets Defended by Dwyane Wade: “I’m Not Even Getting Paid”
May 03, 2024 06:07 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
However, there is no reason to write off Embiid from achieving this over the course of his career. He is an imposing post-presence who has shown the footwork necessary to defend along the perimeter as well. He has the skill-set required to pull this off; it is just a matter of if he will be able to.