Joel Embiid was leading the MVP race for much of the regular season. Then, in a sad twist of fate, he went down with an injury at the height of his powers, missing several weeks.
That time was enough for Embiid’s MVP case to be all but dismissed, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic quickly took the lead.
But in a chat with the media, Sixers coach Doc Rivers gave one last message supporting his star’s MVP chances…
“Let’s say we get the 1 seed. I don’t see how you could (deny) his impact on our team.”
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on Joel Embiid's MVP chances despite missing more than 25% of games this season: 'Let's say we get the 1 seed. I don't see how you could (deny) his impact on our team.'
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) May 7, 2021
For what it’s worth, Embiid’s performance has remained pretty consistent throughout the year, even despite the injury. Through 47 games so far, he is averaging 29.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game on 51% shooting.
Most impressive of all, however, is the Sixers’ 45-21 record, which has them first in the Eastern Conference.
If Philadelphia can keep their standing, and Embiid can keep up his current pace for the last leg of the season, why shouldn’t he be thrown back in MVP consideration?
It’s certainly possible Embiid can catch up here, and one could make the case he has already earned it.
Ultimately, though, it just might not be his year. After missing so much time, and Nikola Jokic playing amazingly, it will take nothing short of a miracle for the Sixers star to walk away with the award.
