Joel Embiid’s bizarre adventure to NBA MVP favorite
Joel Embiid and his bizarre adventure to an NBA MVP favorite.
Ben Simmons’ trade demand has started a non-stop discussion of his possible destination. Fans should stop caring where Socialite Simmons may go, and start wondering. Is Joel Embiid the MVP favorite?
The Simmons vs. Philadelphia 76ers saga is the main topic of NBA discussion as we await the start of training camp. Now currently locked in a statement we may not get a resolution to this conflict for weeks or possibly months.
This problem the Sixers are facing could actually lead to an award for their other star. Joel Embiid was in a neck and neck race for MVP last season, only dropping out of the running late due to him missing time with his torn MCL.
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Now armed with this narrative of being the star who wanted to stay in Philly, Embiid can make another attempt to be the league’s MVP.
Many will assume other players will be at the forefront of the award race. Luka Doncic was the favorite heading into last season, coming off an impressive Olympic run he is still a force to be reckoned with. LeBron James will seek revenge after the Los Angeles Lakers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs.
Nikola Jokic is the current MVP and will be the lone superstar for the Denver Nuggets for the majority of the upcoming season.
Why should we expect Joel Embiid to win?
Well, the MVP is not just about the award it is about the narrative too. Embiid’s storyline will be filled with plot points to make him the most relevant player to win the award.
If you were to make a checklist of what a player needs to win the MVP it would go like this.
Be a dominant player who transcends the game, Embiid is a force on both sides of the court. He is not only an elite defensive player but his offensive game is world-class. Embiid averaged 28.5 points and 10.6 boards a game last season, he did this on above-average shooting stroking in 37 percent of his 3’s and hitting 87 percent of his free throws.
The next key an MVP candidate needs to set themselves apart from the field is an elite team. The Sixers were the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season. Assuming Simmons will be traded; if they can stay atop the conference many will say it is because Embiid kept them there. His two-way game allows Embiid to have a massive impact night after night. Couple this with the absence of Simmons and many will assume Embiid will see an increase in usage rate.
The last reason we should expect Embiid to be the MVP next season is he will have the story. Much like when Russell Westbrook won the MVP, his triple-double was only half the story. Kevin Durant leaving put a spotlight on Westbrook. Westbrook made sure to take advantage of the attention.
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Simmons wanting out of Philly is not the same as when Durant left the Thunder. The division that has been sewn will be enough for fans to talk all season. Socialite Simmons will echo through Philly, only being interrupted when Embiid steps to the free-throw line. We don’t know where Simmmons might land in a trade, but Embiid might land atop the MVP voting.