Sixers: Joel Embiid has entered the MVP race

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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

NBA MVP ladder (Tier 2)

THE REAL (BUT STILL FRINGE) CANDIDATES

9. LeBron James
- 28.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 52.0 FG%, 37.0 3P%, 77.3 FT%

The Lakers have been miserable this season, but LeBron James has dragged them back above .500 despite the absence of Anthony Davis and a shoddily constructed roster around him. It’s a shame LA hasn’t done more to help LeBron, but even in a “down” season, not many players can claim greater statistical production.

8. Joel Embiid
- 26.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 47.7 FG%, 39.3 3P%, 80.9 FT%

As previously noted, Embiid is working his way up the list right now. He’s probably not going to win, but we have a lot of season left. If the Sixers can go on a special run, or if the team improves by way of a Ben Simmons trade, then Embiid’s case could get even stronger. He’s one of the best defenders on the MVP ladder, which never quite gets enough credit.

7. DeMar DeRozan
- 26.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 49.4 FG%, 36.2 3P%, 85.8 FT%

This is the “best individual season on the best team” slot. The Bulls are in first place, which even the most optimistic Bulls fans wouldn’t have predicted before the season. We still have a long way to go, but it feels sustainable — in large part because DeRozan is having the best season of his impressive career.

6. Chris Paul
- 14.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 10.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 47.9 FG%, 31.8 3P%, 83.3 FT%

Phoenix has the second-best record in basketball. Devin Booker deserves his share of credit, but Chris Paul is the conductor of that orchestra. His scoring numbers are down ever so slightly this season, but he still commands the floor with unmatched vision and tempo.