The Sixer Sense
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3 reasons why Joel Embiid can win MVP

By Rocco Matarazzo

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Can the Philadelphia 76ers’ star big man make a run at MVP next season?

The last Philadelphia 76ers MVP Award winner came in the 2000-01 season, when Allen Iverson took home the hardware. It’s been 17 years since the 76ers had a winner, and quite a while since they had a true candidate. Enter Joel Embiid.

In an interview earlier this summer, Joel Embiid told TMZ that he has MVP aspirations.

Here are some reasons why the Sixers’ reigning All-Star can make that leap in the 2018-19 campaign.

3. His defense

Joel Embiid’s defense is among the best in the NBA and probably his best trait. As mentioned earlier, Embiid placed second in the 2017-18 Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Rudy Gobert. Although he did not take home the award, Embiid’s defense is certainly a top-tier.

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In terms of basic stats, he ranked fourth in the NBA in blocks per game (1.8) and held the third-best Defensive Rating in the league. Embiid placed 10th in total blocks, with 111, despite missing 19 games. This was good enough to put him on the All-NBA Defensive second team.

In terms of advanced stats, Embiid had the seventh-best block percentage. Not to mention, Embiid had the best opponent Field Goal percentage in the NBA at 42.0 percent last season (with a minimum of 60 games played).

When Draymond Green won the DPOY award in the 2016-17 season, his opponent Field Goal percentage was 42.9 percent. Kawhi Leonard‘s opponent field goal percentage was 42.8 percent when he won the award in the 2015-16 season. Embiid outranks both of them. Also, among NBA starters (minimum 50 games played), Embiid was second behind Rudy Gobert in opponent points per game per 100 possessions.

Not only does Embiid carry his own high-ranking stats, but he is a crucial contributor to team defensive stats as well. The Philadelphia 76ers allowed the least amount of opponent points in the paint per game last season, at 41.6, which is another NBA best. With Embiid off the court, the 76ers allow roughly four more points as opposed to having him on the court.

Overall, Embiid’s ability to protect the paint and lockdown other players is a clear reason for his MVP case. His defense is not only valuable to his game, but to the 76ers as well. Plus, the defense will only improve. In 2018-19, Embiid will again show his strengths in the post, from blocking shots to offsetting post moves, and ultimately helping the 76ers win games.