On the eve of NBA’s Opening Night, Sports Illustrated constructed a nine-member panel of writers to provide their awards picks for the 2022-23 season. Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid received three MVP votes, which tied Giannis Antetokounmpo atop the list. Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum all garnered a singular vote. Howard Beck, John Gonzalez and Chris Herring were the three who tabbed Embiid as the 2022-23 MVP.
Meanwhile, Maxey, with three votes, stood alone as the Most Improved Player favorite among the nine panelists. Fellow 2020 draftees, Precious Achiuwa and Tyrese Haliburton, tied for second with two votes each.