Embiid has a chance to be MVP
Joel Embiid reached another level during the 2020-21 NBA season.
In propelling the 76ers to the best record in the Eastern Conference for the first time in 20 years, Embiid established career-bests in virtually every offensive category and finished second to the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic in the MVP balloting.
This season, which begins Wednesday night against the Pelicans in New Orleans, the 27-year-old Embiid has an opportunity to become the Sixers’ first MVP since Allen Iverson in 2000-01.
Here’s how he can do it:
Pick up where he left off
Embiid’s impact on the 49-23 Sixers was indisputable. His 2020-21 career-highs came in scoring (28.5 points), field goal percentage (.513), 3-point percentage (.377), free throw percentage (.859), free throw attempts (an NBA-leading 10.7 per game), made free throws (NBA-leading 9.2) and steals (1.0).
Embiid improved how he finds open shooters out of double-teams, too, though he still has some work to do with his decision-making and bringing the ball down so smaller guys can steal it.
If he can continue to score from so many spots on the court while drawing a great deal of attention, Embiid’s teammates and the Sixers would really benefit.
Backup forward Georges Niang, a first-year Sixer who shot .425 on 3-pointers with the Jazz last season, understands what Embiid means to the others on the floor and this organization.
“Playing with Joel — when he walks on the court, he attracts a double-team,” Niang said Monday. “To have him out on the court is a joy.”
Keep Sixers in mix
Given the uncertainty of threetime all-star Ben Simmons’ availability, Embiid’s MVP chances would get a boost if he can keep the Sixers among the East’s top three until Simmons either ends up traded or returns to the everyday lineup.
Without Simmons, Embiid would need to assume more responsibilities, especially at the defensive end.
Simmons practiced with the team Monday for the second straight day. Afterward, Sixers coach Doc Rivers said he still didn’t know if Simmons, who again didn’t speak to the media (he’s supposed to Tuesday), would play in Wednesday’s opener.
Anchor the defense
Simmons’ absence would be felt most on defense, where he typically guarded the opponents’ best non-center. Embiid is the Sixers’ anchor at that end of the floor and his interior “D” would be a must if the defense is going to remain Philadelphia’s calling card.
The Sixers were second in the NBA last season in defensive rating, which won’t be easy to replicate if Simmons isn’t part of the equation. A more involved Embiid would help overcome troubles with on-the-ball defense and dealing with quick wings that can create shots for themselves, which have been issues in Philly at times.
Play more games
Embiid was the most dominant player last season and probably would have won the award if he had played in more than .708 of the Sixers’ 72 games (51). Bill Walton (.707 of the Trail Blazers’ games in 1977-78) was the only player to earn MVP honors while missing more than 20 percent of his team’s contests. Jokic appeared in all 72 for Denver.
If Embiid can continue performing like he did a year ago and play in another 10 percent of the Sixers’ games while the team keeps winning, he’d be able to make a strong case.
Lead the way
Heading into his sixth season as an NBA player, Embiid is working to be a better all-around leader, rather than primarily a leader by example.
“I think in the past, the way I led, which I still do, was just on the basketball court,” Embiid said. “Just having the mentality of ‘Hop on my back. I got you.’
“... As the organization sees me, that’s my job. I have to be a leader — on and off the court — and do my best. That’s what I’ve really been trying to do — just trying to keep the team together because I still believe that we have a chance.”
Rivers has been impressed what he’s seen in the leadership department so far from Embiid.
“He’s been off the charts in every aspect of the work, the leadership (and) the little things,” Rivers said. “He’s doing everything you can ask.”
That’s what an MVP does.