9. Joel Embiid, Philadephia 76ers
Season stats: 26.9 ppg, 13.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.6 spg, 2.0 bpg, 49% fg, 30% 3 pt, 80% ft
Team record: 28-16 (4th in East)
Is it me, or has it felt like every year of Joel Embiid‘s career has been a breakout year of sorts? He had his unbelievable rookie year where he broke on to the scene with a bang. Then – with his improved health and all-around ability – took a significant step in year two, leading the Sixers to the playoffs and now we have this year, where Embiid has truly elevated himself to one of the very best players in our game. A true superstar.
It did seem to take a bit of time for Embiid to adjust when Jimmy Butler came on board and while this new big three still have plenty of work to do, it seems they are starting to figure out their roles on the team. And that is, of course, with Mr Embiid as the focal point of the offence.
Barring any injuries, expect him to keep up this torrid pace, but in order to win the NBA MVP award, he’d need to reach another level and help Philly go on a run, not dissimilar to what they did at the end of last year.