#2 Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers are having one of their best seasons in franchise history and the last time they finished with under 30 losses on the year, they went to the NBA Finals (2001). Doc Rivers has done a fantastic job in his first year with the 76ers, but Joel Embiid has become one of the league’s most dominant players. 

In 47 games this year, Embiid is averaging 29.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.4 blocks and is shooting 51.2% from the floor, 37.3% from three-point range. Not to mention, he is putting up these kinds of shooting numbers while taking close to 18 shots per game! 

There has been no stopping Joel Embiid this season, but injuries have been a concern for him all season long. He dealt with some knee issues through the early course of the year and mid-season, he suffered a hyperextended left knee and missed close to a month of action. 

This time missed definitely hurt Joel Embiid’s MVP chances but when he has been healthy and on the court, there is no denying that he has been one of the league’s best players. He currently ranks 3rd in the league in scoring, 11th in the league in rebounding, 34th in the league in field goal percentage and ranks 1st in the league in Player Efficiency Rating. 

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Player Efficiency Rating has been very important in determining the league MVP over the years and in fact, 10 of the last 12 players who won the award led the league in Player Efficiency Rating during the regular season.

Whether or not he is named league MVP, Joel Embiid has his mind on one thing and that is bringing a championship home to the city of Philadelphia. The 76ers currently sit 1 game back from the Brooklyn Nets at the top of the Eastern Conference standings and are one of the favorites to go to the NBA Finals this season from the East.