“MVP rankings in a couple years” - Joel Embiid had rightly predicted in 2014 that he would win MVP

Joel Embiid has proven how great of a player he's been in the NBA, winning his first MVP award this season. Interestingly, Embiid had predicted that this day would come, all the way back in 2014, when he hadn't played a single game for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Prior to Game 2 against the Boston Celtics, the NBA announced that Embiid had won the MVP award for this season. After posting a historic stat line of 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 54.8% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc, the Sixers superstar beat out Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo to win the award.

Back when he was a rookie for the Sixers, Embiid posted a photo of an MVP ranking where he was in the No. 1 spot, followed by some of the best players in the league at the time.

The six-time All-Star seemingly knew that he was bound to be a great player and confidently predicted his place among the greats of the league.

"MVP rankings in a couple years," Embiid captioned the post.

It's been a long time coming for one of the league's best big men. Embiid displayed incredible talent in the past couple of seasons, but was bested by Jokic both times.

You might also be interested in reading this: "I don't know why you’re risking it" – Shannon Sharpe says Joel Embiid should’ve rested for Game 2

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Charles Barkley didn't like that Joel Embiid played in Game 2

Earlier today, it was reported that Embiid might sit out Game 3 of their bout against the Boston Celtics due to a right ankle sprain. He tried to play through the pain last night, but it ended badly as Philly suffered a heavy defeat to Boston. He only managed 15 points, three rebounds and five blocks.

NBA legend Charles Barkley didn't like the fact that Embiid tried to play in the Sixers' 34-point loss.

"I do not like the fact that he [Embiid] was in there for a couple of reasons... I think James [Harden] plays differently when Joel's out there. In my opinion. he's [Embiid] got a mental block. He's not nearly as aggressive. I mean, it was night and day from Game 1 to Game 2," Barkley said.