The 50 greatest NBA players of the 2020s (so far), ranked

7) Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has been one of the best players of the 2020s thus far, with eye-popping averages of 30 points, 11 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 275 games. Unfortunately, had it not been for him missing 103 games or more than 20 games a season during that span, he'd have a case to be the best player of this era.

That isn't an understatement, with five All-Star and three All-NBA selections in addition to three straight top-two MVP finishes, including actually winning in 2022–23. Throw in that he's averaged at least 30.5 points the last three seasons, winning the scoring title twice and what would have been a third had he played enough games, and Embiid is on a special run.

Still, he will continue to be compared to fellow big man Nikola Jokic, who has thus far outpaced him and has a championship and a NBA Finals MVP to show for it, while Embiid has never been past the second round in his career. That may soon change, however, with the Sixers adding Paul George, giving them a Big 3 when including All-Star Tyrese Maxey.

They will face a tough path to a championship but having one of the best players of the 2020s on their team will give them a chance and give Embiid a chance to reach his full potential.