Sixers: Joel Embiid’s final spot on 2021 MVP ladder

The Sixers earned the East’s top seed, and with it, a favorable path to the conference finals. While some may doubt Philadelphia’s ability to deliver, no one can doubt the success of Doc Rivers’ first regular season. It is abundantly clear the Sixers mean business.

Of course, much of the credit falls on the doorstep of Joel Embiid, who put together his most dominant season yet. He will likely get nominated to All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, while some will cast an MVP vote in his favor.

With the 2020-21 regular season at its close, here is our final 2021 MVP ladder.

NBA MVP candidate #5: Luka Doncic

The Mavericks were able to claim the No. 5 seed despite a largely underwhelming roster full of underachievers. The main reason — almost the only reason — for that success is Luka Doncic, who helped Dallas weather injuries and flat-out inadequacy all season.

With Kristaps Porzingis missing large swathes of time, the Josh Richardson trade looking particularly bad, and an uninspiring supporting cast, Doncic posted averages of 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists on .479/.350/.730 shooting splits. He carried the load for a team that did him no favors in carrying it.

Doncic, at just 22 years old, is already on the Mt. Rushmore of great modern playmakers. He can make every pass in the book and then some. At 6-foot-7, he has the size to peer over defenders and read the defense with the thoroughness of an Ivy League literature professor. He’s a gifted three-level scorer to boot, and a much-improved wing defender.