Sixers MVP ladder: Does Joel Embiid still have top spot?

2021 NBA MVP ladder #1: Joel Embiid

Again, the case for Jokic is strong and there is no shame in considering the Nuggets center a superior candidate. That said, the Sixers are clinging tight to first place, and Embiid continues to spearhead Philadelphia’s offense with remarkable efficiency. He is averaging 29.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 51.6 percent shooting.

Embiid is the greatest foul-drawer in basketball, a skill is too often scoffed at. Embiid is endlessly clever when facing the basket or posting up. He knows exactly how to get his defender in a compromised position, whether it’s a well-timed pump fake or a flourish of unguardable physical force. Embiid can steamroll defenders, or out-maneuver them in space. He’s a special kind of athlete.

The Sixers have been more comfortable than ever letting Embiid work from inside the paint. He’s making quicker reads, making better passes out of double teams, and turning the ball over less frequently. He still has room to grow in that department, but for overwhelming portions of the season, Embiid has been nearly unstoppable with post position and a spaced-out floor.

Doc Rivers has done a good job of using Embiid in different spots, too. He’s letting Embiid shred defenses from the middle of the floor — even letting him initiate the offense from the top of the key. With more space at his disposal this season, Embiid has unlocked the full breadth of his offensive arsenal. The results have been overwhelmingly positive for Philadelphia.

In addition to his offense, Embiid is one of the best defenders in basketball and a real Defensive Player of the Year candidate. In fact, the strongest argument against Embiid’s DPOY candidacy is the similarly strong case of Ben Simmons. They cancel each other out. Embiid is not, however, canceled out of the MVP race. The Sixers look closer to contention than ever (with the possible omission of the Raptors series), and a lion’s share of the credit falls on Embiid. He is your NBA MVP right now.