Joel Embiid’s Absence Doesn’t Diminish Nikola Jokic’s Appreciation

The much-anticipated showdown between star centers Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic took an unexpected turn when Embiid was a late scratch for the Philadelphia 76ers in their matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Despite the absence, the two elite big men shared a postgame embrace, and Jokic expressed genuine concern for Embiid’s well-being.

Inquiring about Embiid’s condition, especially considering his ongoing knee issue, Jokic revealed, “I just asked him how he is.” In a more detailed message during an interview, Jokic went on to emphasize the historical significance of Embiid’s performances, urging fans of all teams and sports to appreciate the extraordinary feats he’s achieving. “If you’re a basketball fan or a soccer fan or NFL fan, the things that he’s doing right now, it’s historic, and we need to appreciate that,” Jokic stated.

Jokic reiterated his appreciation for Embiid during his postgame media availability, underscoring the need for fans to recognize and value the exceptional contributions of the 76ers star. 

Despite his admiration for Embiid, Jokic also wanted to divert some attention to the standout performance of backup center Paul Reed, who filled in admirably in Embiid’s absence. Jokic highlighted Reed’s contributions, expressing the importance of giving credit where it’s due.

The game itself, despite the 76ers being shorthanded, turned out to be a compelling contest, with Denver ultimately securing the victory. While Embiid’s absence may have altered the dynamics of the matchup, the postgame sentiments from Jokic highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect among NBA players, transcending individual competition.