3 threats to Embiid’s MVP chances: The field
Outside of his health and team record, the biggest obstacle in front of Embiid is the field. The NBA has all of their superstars healthy entering this season, with the exception of Klay Thompson, and each has a chance to make their case for the MVP award.
Last year’s winner Nikola Jokic is in a similar situation to Embiid’s because both big men will be without their All-Star level co-star. Jokic will be without Jamal Murray and Jokic could have a similar path to repeating as MVP in terms of leading the Denver Nuggets to a top-four spot in the Western Conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo just won a title with the Milwaukee Bucks and is already a two-time MVP winner, so he has to be in the conversation. Until LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers proves he’s not an MVP-level player he will be in the discussion. Then other names like Kevin Durant, James Harden, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard will also be in the conversation as well.
Even if Embiid plays a lot and can lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a top-four spot in the East, the field of elite players he will be competing against for the MVP award. However, he’s a generation talent at the center that alone puts him into the conversation for MVP this season, the rest is up to him.