NBA: A way-too-early deep dive into the 2021-22 MVP award race
By Kyle McKee
NBA MVP odds: Joel Embiid +700
I couldn’t finish this list without mentioning Joel Embiid. Before he got injured last season, many believed the big man to be the favorite to win his first MVP. Embiid has the best season of his career, averaging 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game for the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. However, the 7-footer only played in 51 games which really hurt his MVP hopes.
The main thing Embiid has to do in order to actually win the MVP is to stay healthy. It sounds simple, but the guy’s never really been able to do it. In five seasons in the NBA, the most games Embiid has played in a season is 64. He’s played in over 60 games twice, 51 games over the past two seasons, only 31 games his first active year, and missed his first two years in the league due to injury.
Not to mention, the big elephant in the room, what’s the deal with Ben Simmons? Will the Sixers trade Simmons before the start of training camp? If they don’t, what will Embiid think of it?
To me, it’s not if but when will the Sixers deal Simmons. Looking at some of the projected deals the Sixers could get in return, it’s reasonable to think that they may be worse once they deal Simmons. Plus, if they start the season with Simmons, that will surely have a weird effect on the team. I’m not expecting the Sixers to be as good as they were last season.
With all the injuries that occurred during the postseason, last year was the Sixers’ best chance, with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons leading the team to the Finals. Yet, they lost in the second round to the Atlanta Hawks.
With an uncertain future looming in Philly, I’d stay away from placing a bet on Embiid. Especially considering his injury history. You get better odds on bets to win the MVP than KD at +650, Embiid at +700, Steph at +700, LeBron at +1100, Dame Lillard at + 1200, even James Harden at +2200 are better bets to win MVP, in my opinion.