Sixers MVP ladder: Is Joel Embiid the early-season favorite?

NBA MVP ladder #1: Joel Embiid

The Sixers big man is your league MVP through one month. The Sixers are first in the East at 16-7, with Embiid averaging ludicrous numbers. Over his last 10 games, the 7-foot-2 comedian is averaging 31.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Embiid is not only the driving force behind Doc Rivers’ offense, but among the clear frontrunners for Defensive Player of the Year — a highly disruptive force in the middle.

Embiid is playing the best basketball of his career. Philadelphia’s swift departure in the 2020 playoffs has fueled Embiid. Also notable in the narrative-building race that is the MVP race, is Embiid’s relatively weak supporting cast. While Tobias Harris is playing like an All-Star and Ben Simmons is still omnipresent defensively, the Sixers are a fish out of water whenever Embiid sits. The Sixers are 1-4 without Embiid, and 16-3 when he plays. When the entire starting five plays, Philadelphia is 12-0.

Games missed could hurt Embiid down the stretch. He has already missed five of the Sixers’ 23 games, and we can safely assume he will miss his share of games later on. If an injury of any significance strikes, that alone could push the needle in favor of Jokic or James.

For now, however, Embiid has been a two-way machine. He is scoring more efficiently than anyone on this list, and doing so while elevating his teammates more than ever. He is also the best defender on this list, with the possible exception of Leonard. Embiid has the Sixers looking like a surprise contender almost solely because of his presence. He should not be discounted.