Embiid’s Early Case for MVP
No one in the league is even close to the level that Embiid has been playing at this season. He’s averaging 34.8 points (1st in the league), 11.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. He’s in his own world right now because in December alone, he averaged 40 points and 12 rebounds.
To make it more impressive he’s been extremely consistent. In his return against Chicago, Embiid finished the game with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. He’s the first player in NBA history to have a 30-point triple double in three quarters. Embiid also has the second longest 30-10 streak in NBA history sitting two games behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who had a 16-game streak.
It’s clear he’s unstoppable. Defensively, it’s difficult for opposing teams to prepare for him because of his versatility. He can drive, make a jump shot from anywhere on the floor, and his passing game has matured this year with Maxey. Teams can throw five guys at him, but even when you think you’ve stopped him you simply haven’t.
On the,Patrick Beverley said that if Embiid were to finish this season the way he’s playing right now, it would be the greatest season of a single player who’s ever played basketball. Beverley is ready to put him in conversations with Michael Jordan and being the best in the world.
This season, Embiid has six games with 40+ points. LeBron, Damian Lillard, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, and Kawhi Leonard have a combined total of five games with 40+ points. If that doesn’t show he’s miles high above the rest right now, try watching a game.
So, say whatever you want about him, make up excuses, or use obscure stats. The truth remains that Joel Embiid is, without question, the most dominant player in basketball. Statistically, he’s a top three player in the league – and he isn’t two or three.
In regards to the NBA awards, it is now required that a player appears in at least 65 games to qualify for such honors. Unfortunately, Embiid has already missed 7 games which allows him to only sit out 10 more games for the rest of the season. But Embiid says that if he can, he will be out there every night because these awards are important to him. For him, it shows his individual work has paid off and how far he’s come in his career to be considered the best of the best. Embiid currently ranked first in the MVP race.
Regardless of what happens for the rest of the season, we’re watching history be made almost every night when Joel Embiid steps on the court. If he continues his dominance there’s no doubt should he be the MVP again this season.
