After the Sixers win last night against Boston, Philly is sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference at 10-5.
As the team improves, more and more basketball analysts are recognizing Joel Embiid having an MVP-caliber season. If I had a vote, I would say as of right now Embiid is the league MVP. But what is he doing this year that has allowed him to look better than ever before?
Some people felt entering this season he had to shoot less threes. That hasn’t changed much. He’s averaging 3.2 3PA per game this year, compared to 3.6 per game in his career.
Some people felt entering this season he had to force contact and get to the line more. Embiid has already been one of the best players in the league at that. He is averaging 9.8 FTA per game this season, slightly higher than his 8.7 per game career average. However, he still averaged more in the 2018-19 season when he had 10.1 per game.
In fact, none of his basic stats are that eye popping. He doesn’t have career highs in PPG, RPG, APG, or BPG.
So why is he still considered an MVP favorite? It’s coming more from passing the eye test and playing with teammates who fit his strengths.
With more shooters around him, he’s able to have more spacing than maybe ever in his career. If he gets double teamed he doesn’t panic like he has before, especially when it’s near the base line. He has improved tremendously at staying sharp and making the right read, whether forcing contact at the basket or passing to an open player.
His ability to create while facing the basket is also improving. We have seen him get the ball around the top of the key and be able to create all different types of shots – like pull-up jumpers and catch and shoot threes. If needed, he can still start at the top of the key and bully his way down to the post. His agility almost makes him look like a 7’2” guard or forward when he does his magic. This has also helped him get more big shots in timely and clutch situations.
We have been fortunate as Sixers fans the last several seasons to watch Embiid’s greatness. Early on this season, he seems better than ever before. Hopefully he can keep this up and become the 2020-21 MVP. This should be a fun ride.
