Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has begun the 2023-24 season on a torrid pace. The big fella is averaging 31.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists as he has taken another step forward as a playmaking hub for the Sixers.
His averages once again have him in the MVP conversation. After finishing as the runner-up in 2021 and 2022, Embiid took home the award in 2023 when he averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
HoopsHype has put out their early MVP rankings for this current season and the big fella comes in ranked second behind Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. HoopsHype on Embiid:
His playing style might not make him a fan favorite but there’s no doubt reigning league MVP Joel Embiid remains one of the very best players in the NBA. Embiid ranks first in the league in nightly scoring, sixth in nightly rebounds and 11th in blocks per game. Meanwhile, Philadelphia looks as potent as it ever has in the Embiid era, boasting a +6.7 net rating, the No. 4 mark in the NBA. What’s more, Embiid ranks Top 4 in WS/48, VORP and BPM so like it or not, his style of play – foul-baiting and all – is extremely effective. Embiid will be among the top MVP candidates for 2023-24 if he keeps this up, which he very well should.
The Sixers will be looking to halt a two-game losing skid when they pay a visit to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. Embiid missed Wednesday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves due to left hip soreness so it remains to be seen if the reigning league MVP will be able to play on Saturday.
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