Sixers: 5 takeaways from first third of 2020-21 season

Sixers takeaway #1: Joel Embiid is MVP

There are multiple candidates for MVP. Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo — all of them have put together impressive campaigns so far. That said, the favorite right now is Joel Embiid. At least, he should be the favorite.

While games played (or a lack thereof) may hurt Embiid down the stretch, his numbers thus far have bordered on absurdity. He is doing things the likes of Shaq never accomplished. Embiid is pulverizing every defense he faces. On the other end, Embiid may be the best defender in basketball this season. He’s certainly in the conversation.

Embiid is averaging 29.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He’s shooting 55.3 percent from the field, netting 39.0 percent of his 3-pointers, and going to the line 11.3 times per game, where he’s making 85.0 percent of his attempts. Not only is Embiid physically imposing, but he’s scoring more efficiently than just about anyone in the league.

The Sixers are in first place largely because of Embiid. The Sixers are 14-0 when the entire starting five plays, and Embiid has only boosted his production in recent weeks. He is getting better and better, with career-best conditioning and a coach who has unlocked something new. The team is finally built around Embiid’s skill set, and the results have been MVP-worthy.