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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2. His offense

Joel Embiid is a very well polished offensive player. In only 63 games, he led the 76ers in total points, total rebounds, free-throws made, points per game, and rebounds per game. With this, he also recorded 38 double-doubles. Keep in mind, Joel Embiid only averaged 30.3 minutes per game, which was 69th in the league, behind some sixth men like Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans. Embiid’s ability to lead the 76ers in scoring and offensive categories in reduced minutes is very impressive.

In the NBA, Embiid ranked 15th with 22.9 points per game. DeMarcus Cousins and LaMarcus Aldridge were the only other centers ranked ahead of Embiid. Aldridge had a small difference, averaging 23.1 points per game opposed to Embiid’s 22.9. Cousins, on the other hand, only played 48 games. But, Cousins did average 25.2 points per game. Embiid is up there in scoring practically toe-to-toe with other centers in the game, and other top players while playing substantially fewer minutes.

Embiid can score in a variety of ways. Although, his post-up moves down low are among the best in the league. He led the NBA in post-up possessions last season. Embiid was second in post-up points per game with 9.1.

Only Aldridge was higher, by a small margin with 9.3. But Embiid was essentially more effective. He held a field goal percentage of 50 percent from the post-up possessions, higher than Anthony Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol, Nikola Jokic, Al Horford, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Embiid and Aldridge were the only two players in the NBA to make at least three post-up opportunities per game, while no other player had over two.

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Embiid even graces a very solid shooting ability. He shot 31 percent on 3-point attempts, which is not bad for a big man. He shot 43 percent on mid-range shots from 10-16 feet and shot an incredible 48 percent on shots greater than 16 feet from the basket.

Embiid does a great job of drawing fouls too. Opponents draw fouls on Embiid 23.2 percent of the time, which is an NBA best among starters, and 5th best overall (minimum 40 games played). In his post-up opportunities, 20.9 percent of the time it leads to a free throw attempt — yet another NBA best from Joel Embiid (minimum two possessions per game, Embiid had 9.4)

Where Embiid’s offense proves to be even more impactful is his usage rate. Especially, compared to other players in the league, let alone big men. He was third in the NBA, behind Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

Westbrook led the league in usage rate during his MVP campaign, as Harden did last season. It’s uncommon for a big man to be that high, as the next center was LaMarcus Aldridge, who ranked 23rd (minimum 50 games played). Usage rate is a common factor in determining league MVP. It is practically a number of plays ran through a player while they’re on the floor, showing how necessary they are to a team’s offense and more.

With the ability to draw fouls, shoot practically anywhere on the floor, and still dominate in the post, shows how Embiid is one of the best offensive players in the game. Not many players can boast the offensive stats and skill set Embiid can, particularly at his position. Plus, the usage rate shows how valuable Embiid is to the 76ers’ offense. He is heavily involved in a great amount of 76ers possessions — despite not being a primary ball-handler.