If he is healthy, there are not many players that are on the same level as the Philadelphia 76ers’ big man Joel Embiid. He has proved that time and time again that he can play on the MVP level.
It was evident when he finished second behind Nikola Jokic in the MVP race last season. While Jokic had an amazing season himself, Embiid’s injury troubles were one of the reasons why the 76ers’ superstar finished second in the race.
Well, that was the case for the last season. For the 2021-22 NBA season, Embiid is once again making the case for himself to be considered for MVP honors. And after his truly dominating outing against the Orlando Magic, he made his case even stronger.
After contributing 50 points in just 27 minutes in the win over the Magic, Embiid was asked about his thoughts on being a frontrunner for winning the regular-season MVP.
Via Sixers Wire:
“It’s extremely early. The main thing with me has always been health. I think last year, if I played 10 more games than I did, I probably end up winning especially being the first seed and the numbers that I was putting so the main thing is just being healthy and this year, we’ve had so much going on and missing our second-best player, and it’s been a lot to do.”
Embiid added, “I love it. I love the challenge. My teammates have been there for me, and I love the challenge. It’s up to you guys (the media) to figure it out, but based on the circumstances and the way I’ve been playing for the past whatever games that’s been, I don’t know, it’s up to you guys to decide.”
The 76ers big man concluded, “I’m trying to play at the best level possible that I can and that’s being the best player in the world. For us to win, I have to be that guy every single night.”
Playing without Ben Simmons has certainly been a challenge for Embiid and co. but they are still playing well this season. Credit goes to Embiid for carrying the team on his back. Even the 76ers head coach Doc Rivers had huge praise for Embiid.
At the end of the day, the competition in the Eastern Conference is pretty high this season. And as Embiid himself said, he needs to play like the best player in the world, if he wants the 76ers to have a shot at winning an NBA Championship.
