Why Joel Embiid is (and is not) the NBA MVP this season

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 06: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets smiles towards Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Why Joel Embiid is (and is not) the NBA MVP this season. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Why Joel Embiid is (and is not) the NBA MVP this season: Why not – James Harden

While this, obviously, has not impacted his case yet, it almost surely will. Up to this point, Joel Embiid has been on his own (more on that to come), but now he’ll have a co-star.

James Harden is a top-ten player in the NBA when he’s at his peak. He may not have looked like that guy while with the Brooklyn Nets this season, but who knows if he could get back to that point.

First and foremost, the addition of Harden to the roster will undoubtedly take touches away from Embiid. He’s one of the most ball-dominant players in NBA history – that’s just going to happen.

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While Embiid is definitely set to benefit from Harden’s ball dominance, he won’t have the ball in his hands as much. That alone will hurt his counting stats.

Plus, up to this point in the season, Embiid has had the freedom to do whatever he wants. He can pull up from three, get deep in the post, and even bring the ball up the court.

With Harden by his side, he’s going to end up in a pick-n-roll offense almost every time down the floor. It might help the team, but it could also hurt Embiid’s MVP case if he’s not dominating as he has thus far.

Embiid shouldn’t be concerned with the NBA MVP Award, he should care about winning, which Harden helps him do. That being said, Harden also hurts his MVP chances a bit.