The Philadelphia 76ers have recognized simply how dominant of a participant Joel Embiid is ever since they drafted him out of Kansas years in the past. And ever since Embiid debuted for the group, his manufacturing and skillset by no means disenchanted.
This yr, although, Embiid is enjoying on a wholly completely different stage. Over the past three seasons, he is been an All-Star caliber participant. In 2020-2021, he is MVP caliber. Heading into the All-Star break again in early March, Embiid was seen because the MVP favourite on many publications.
However a latest setback would possibly’ve broken his possibilities of really successful the award on the finish of the yr. A bruised knee compelled Embiid to overlook ten-straight video games. Earlier than that, he had already missed seven video games because of again and knee points. In whole, Embiid has missed 18 video games, which many take into account being sufficient to maintain him out of the Most Helpful Participant dialog because of an absence of availability.
Nevertheless, Embiid’s fellow All-Star teammate Ben Simmons believes in any other case. Certain, Embiid’s setbacks have stored him off the ground, however when he is within the sport, the large man is so dominant that it is laborious to discover a cause why he should not be MVP this yr.
“I don’t suppose groups actually know what to do when guarding him,” Ben Simmons mentioned on Friday evening. “I believe he’s clearly the MVP this season. He’s been so dominant and constant this entire yr, and he’s been wholesome, which has been nice for us. So, I don’t know learn how to cease him.”
Simmons’ most up-to-date feedback got here after the Sixers picked up a win at house towards the Los Angeles Clippers. Whereas the all-around group effort from the shorthanded Sixers was strong, Embiid was as soon as once more Philly’s standout as he collected 36 factors in 35 minutes of motion.
Embiid is averaging 30 factors per sport at this level within the yr whereas draining his photographs at a career-high of 51-percent from the sphere and 37-percent from deep. Taking part in in solely 38 video games at this level within the yr would possibly have an effect on how voters view Embiid’s standing as essentially the most invaluable participant within the NBA, however the star heart and his teammates nonetheless imagine he deserves the trophy.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports activities Illustrated. You’ll be able to observe him for stay updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_ & Instagram: @JGrassoNBA.