Sixers: Joel Embiid has entered the MVP race

The Sixers have won five straight to reach 21-16 on the season. Now in fifth place, Philadelphia has real momentum with a favorable upcoming schedule. Naturally, the reason for such success can be largely attributed to the work of Joel Embiid, who continues to improve upon his already-elite skill set.

Embiid struggled out of the gates, but after missing nine games to COVID, he has returned to MVP form. Over his last 10 appearances, the 27-year-old is averaging 30.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks on .529/.389/.858 shooting splits. He is doing that amid what is, holistically, his greatest defensive season to date.

The Sixers have been blessed with the return of MVP-caliber Joel Embiid in recent weeks.

No one in Philadelphia has questioned Embiid’s greatness, but early in the season, there were valid concerns about whether Embiid would ever again reach the heights of 2020-21, when he finished second in the MVP race. His jumper lacked touch, the offense felt slightly off-kilter, and he was suddenly out for three weeks with a serious illness.

Now, those questions have been answered. Embiid is right back in prime form — maybe even better than last season. There’s a lot of talent in the MVP race this season, and Philadelphia’s team-wide struggles make it hard to pronounce Embiid as the frontrunner, but make no mistake. Embiid has entered the conversation.