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Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid continues to make his case for MVP

ByJerran Anderson|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on November 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 117-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on November 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 117-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Big man Joel Embiid is having an MVP-caliber season for the Philadelphia 76ers despite the recent drama surrounding Markelle Fultz.

The Philadelphia 76ers have had their fair share of distractions in recent days, but it hasn’t stopped center Joel Embiid from remaining focused on the floor. The arrival of Jimmy Butler has changed some things in the rotation, but it hasn’t prevented Embiid from producing at a formidable rate.

If Joel Embiid isn’t a top pick on your MVP ballot, pay better attention. The Process is averaging a career-high 28.0 points and 13.3 rebounds per contest this season to go along with 3.7 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. He’s shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from 3-point range as he continues to make his case for this season’s MVP award.

Through 23 games, Embiid has recorded 21 double-doubles and a triple-double as the Sixers are currently 15-8 and sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. The Toronto Raptors and the Milwaukee Bucks are lurking with their own MVP candidates to boast, but here come the Sixers.

In games where Embiid has put up 30 points or more, the Sixers have posted a record of 8-3. In games where he’s posted 40 points or more, Philadelphia is 2-0.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a valid MVP candidate, so does Embiid, who leads the league in total rebounds (306) and total points (644) and currently ranks fifth in the league in total blocks (45).

As a two-way star, Embiid has shaken off questions about his health that have lingered in the past two seasons. Gone are the minutes and game restrictions, as he’s putting together the best season of his young career.

In the first triple-double of his career, he recorded 19 points, 13 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 14. Although it came in a loss, it showed Embiid’s willingness to do whatever it takes no matter who their opponent is. His playmaking ability is one of his more underrated skills and with guys like Jimmy Butler and J.J. Redick on the floor, he thrives on getting them open shots as well.

Redick is averaging a career-high 18.3 points on 36.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. He was largely used off the bench to begin the season but as a starter, he elevates the Sixers’ overall outlook. He’s averaging 19.8 points per game on 39.7 percent shooting from 3-point land as a starter.

Since joining the team, Butler has also made his fair share of contributions — two game-winning baskets, a key stop on defense, there’s not much Butler hasn’t done since his arrival in Philadelphia.

He’s putting up 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 54.5 percent from 3-point range through eight appearances. With less pressure on him to do it all, Butler has emerged as the veteran All-Star they’ve always needed to get them to an NBA championship.

If Embiid continues to be their anchor on both ends, the trajectory for the Philadelphia 76ers should continue to be upward. Embiid has recorded six consecutive double-doubles and counting as the schedule rolls along.

He nearly recorded the second triple-double of his career against the New York Knicks in Wednesday’s victory, racking up 26 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists in the 117-91 victory.

Philadelphia is 7-3 in its last 10 games and has looked like a more confident team with Jimmy Butler in the lineup.

With one of the most dominant big men in the league, the Sixers remain a top contender in the East. If Joel Embiid can continue his solid play, don’t be surprised if he takes home an MVP award at the end of the regular season.