Michael Beasley proposes conspiracy theory claiming Joel Embiid lost MVP due to Kawhi's influence

Former Miami Heat forward addressed why Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid won't win the Most Valuable Player award this season. There have been a few controversial takes in the history of the NBA, but Michael Beasley's recent one is unique.

Embiid was limited to 39 games this season as he suffered multiple injuries. Even with his prolonged absence, the Sixers finished seventh in the East. Their finish means they have to play against the eighth-placed Miami Heat team in the play-in-tournament on Wednesday night, with the winner securing the seventh seed in the playoffs while the loser will have to play a winner-take-all game for the eighth seed.

There was no way for the star center to win his second MVP award this season due to the time he missed because of the new NBA rule tying awards to games played. Almost any follower of the league is aware of that, but Beasley has a conspiracy theory on why the three-time All-Defensive player won't win the award this season.

The 35-year-old former NBA player said that Embiid won't win the award due to Kawhi Leonard. Beasley posted his unexpected opinion on Instagram:

"Joel Embiid lost MVP this year because the league scared of Kawhi."

Beasley's uncanny opinion on the MVP race

It's unsure what Beasley was trying to argue. Looking at the MVP ladder on NBA.com, Leonard is nowhere near the top 10 candidates. Not only that, but there are no stars from the LA Clippers in the MVP race.

Perhaps Beasley will get a chance to elaborate on what he was trying to convey in his IG story.

Also read: Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against Miami Heat? Latest on former MVP's status for NBA Play-In (April 17)

Joel Embiid to represent the USA in the 2024 Olympics

Joel Embiid will play for Team USA this summer. USA Basketball has reportedly selected its 12-man roster for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Interestingly, Embiid will be the man in the middle for the team after it was confirmed that he was part of the team.

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Managing director of Team USA Basketball and former NBA star Grant Hill visited Embiid to hand him his official jersey. The reigning league MVP will wear No. 11 for the international games.

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Embiid said that he chose to represent America for his son, Arthur, who was born in the U.S. The center was recently granted U.S. citizenship and is looking forward to playing for the national team.

The center is also optimistic that playing for Team USA won't affect his history of being injured.

Also read: Drew Hanlen cites Joel Embiid's 45 ppg against Nikola Jokic since 2023 to address 'ducking' narrative: "We kind of laugh about it" (Exclusive)