Los Angeles, CA - January 15: 76ers center Joel Embiid, left, celebrates beating the Lakers 113-112 ... [+] as Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder walks away at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesFor the past few seasons, the NBA's Most Valuable Player race has been a sore subject for Philadelphia 76ers fans.
Sixers center Joel Embiid has finished as the MVP runner-up behind Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in each of the past two seasons. Halfway through the 2022-23 campaign, Embiid appears likely to fall short of the league's highest individual honor once again.
Jokic is the favorite to win this year’s award (-130), according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Luka Doncic (+450), Embiid (+800), Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (+850) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (+1500) round out the top five, and Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (+3000) is the only other player within striking distance of them.
While it may be tempting to view Embiid's current standing in the MVP race as a grand conspiracy against the Sixers—perhaps as a punishment for the Process years?—it's more of a testament to the absurd amount of top-end talent in the NBA today.
Last season, Embiid became the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O'Neal. He averaged a career-high 30.6 points on 49.9 percent shooting to go with 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. This year, he's averaging a league-leading 33.4 points on 53.2 percent shooting—significant upgrades in both marks—along with 9.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals. He's also setting a new career high in true shooting percentage (.641) and effective field-goal percentage (.558).
All of that should have Embiid squarely in the mix for this year's MVP award, and in a typical year, it would. But much like every NBA team constructed in the mid-to-late 2010s, he's running into a roadblock of historic talent in their primes.
Doncic is right behind Embiid with a career-high 33.0 points per game on 49.7 percent shooting. He's also averaging 8.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 2.7 made three-pointers and 1.5 steals per game. In doing so, he's almost single-handedly dragging his undermanned Dallas Mavericks squad into the race for a top-four seed in the Western Conference.
Antetokounmpo isn't far behind Doncic and Embiid with a career-high 31.3 points per game to go with 12.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals. His efficiency is down across the board—he's shooting 52.7 percent overall, only 25.7 percent from three-point range and 64.5 percent from the free-throw line—but he has the Bucks fighting for a top-two seed despite getting only 10 games out of Khris Middleton thus far.
Like Doncic, Embiid and Antetokounmpo, Tatum is also setting a new career high in scoring (31.1 points per game). He's averaging 8.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.3 three-pointers as well, and his Celtics have a league-best 35-15 record. "Best player on the best team" always tends to carry weight in MVP debates, especially when it's one of the league's up-and-coming superstars.
It might be tough for any of Embiid, Doncic, Antetokounmpo and Tatum to topple Jokic from his throne. The two-time reigning MVP is averaging 25.1 points on a career-high 62.9 percent shooting to go with 11.0 rebounds and a career-high 9.9 assists per game. Jokic's Nuggets have the best record in the Western Conference at 34-15, and he once again leads the league in nearly every major advanced metric.
Player efficiency rating is by no means a perfect metric, but it can at least underscore the historic nature of this year's MVP race. Prior to this season, there were only 30 individual seasons in NBA history in which a player had a PER north of 30. Halfway through the 2022-23 season, Jokic (32.3) and Embiid (30.6) are both above that mark, and Doncic (29.9) isn’t far off.
To overtake Jokic, Doncic, Tatum and Antetokounmpo in the MVP race, Embiid will likely need a few things to fall into place. The Sixers might need to finish in the top two of the East, particularly if the Celtics and Nuggets finish as the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences. Another scoring title certainly wouldn't hurt, particularly if he outduels Doncic with an average in the mid-30s. And he can't miss many more games, as he's already around 400 minutes behind Doncic and more than 500 behind Tatum.
Embiid very well could win another scoring title, as James Harden is spoonfeeding him more easy looks around the basket than he's ever had before. The Sixers are currently tied with the Bucks for the No. 2 seed in the East, so staying in the top two is feasible, too. The minutes deficit might be too much for him to overcome, though.
The Sixers are all-in on winning a championship this season, which will require Embiid to stay healthy heading into the playoffs. They should be looking to limit his minutes and games played throughout the regular season to keep as much tread on his tires as possible, even if it comes at the expense of his chances at winning MVP.
So, the next time ESPN's Tim Bontemps releases an MVP straw poll that doesn't have Embiid in first place, don't complain about a grand conspiracy from media voters or the league office. Recognize it as a testament to the amount of high-end talent in the NBA today.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball Reference. All salary information via Spotrac or RealGM. All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Bryan Toporek, Senior Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2023/01/28/there-is-no-nba-mvp-conspiracy-against-sixers-joel-embiid/
By: Bryan Toporek, Senior Contributor
Title: There Is No NBA MVP Conspiracy Against Sixers’ Joel Embiid
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2023/01/28/there-is-no-nba-mvp-conspiracy-against-sixers-joel-embiid/
Published Date: 01-28-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are players paid in NBA?
The NBA's average salary is $7.3million for the 2021-2022 NBA season. This figure is calculated using the maximum salary limit of $134million that was set for this year. The individual salaries of players can vary depending on their accomplishments and experience.
Kevin Durant and LeBron Jam are two examples of superstar players. While rookies can earn as low as $898.310, they can earn as much as $40 million annually. Based on years of experience, veteran players might be eligible for mid-level exception salary ranges from $4.76million to $9.258m. Players may also be eligible for bonuses and other incentives based on their performance or team success.
Which NBA Player is the NBA's all-time leading scorer?
Kareem Abdel-Jabbar is currently the NBA's leading scorer. His career has seen him score 38,387 points. LeBron Jam is second with 37 062 points. Karl Malone, who has 36,928 point is in third. Kobe Bryant comes in fourth place, scoring 33,643 Points. Michael Jordan is fifth with 32,292 point.
Who is the greatest player in basketball history?
This is a stupid question as there are so many exceptional players. Everybody has their opinions. However, some of the top contenders for this title would include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Each one of these basketball legends has had a profound impact on basketball and earned their place in basketball's history. These players also have unique styles of play that are admired by millions around the world. It is difficult to answer this question definitively as everyone has their opinion about the greatest player of all. These six players are undoubtedly the best players of all time and must be included in any list ranking the greatest.
Most people agree that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on February 17th, 1963.
Jordan started his professional basketball playing with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He soon became one his era's most popular and successful players. Jordan was a six-time NBA Champion, six-time NBA Finals MVP, five times NBA regular season MVP. He was also a 10 time NBA scoring leader, 10-time NBA team MVP, nine-time NBA all defensive first team, and three-time NBA steals leader.
Jordan was also a two time Olympic gold medalist and was inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame 2009. Jordan is known for his remarkable ability to make plays, score anywhere on the floor, and be a leader both on and off the court. He will forever remain an inspiration to millions worldwide due to his never-ending drive and ambition.
Jordan's legacy of greatness will be remembered forever. He is without doubt the greatest basketball player in history. Jordan's level of excellence is unmatched by any other basketball player. He will be remembered as one the greatest sports figures of all time. Michael Jordan is simply the greatest ever. His remarkable career and achievements will be remembered forever. He was, is, and always will be "The GOAT." The one and only Michael Jordan!
What year did Bill Russell pass?
"The great ones are the ones who play when it matters most." -Bill Russell
A legend lives for ever. When he stops playing, a legend dies.
But for those few moments, the greatest basketball player gave us a glimpse of his greatness.
Russell was conceived in February 1934. He passed away on July 31, 2022. In just 13 seasons, he won 11 championships for the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell has five MVP awards and 12 All-Star selections and was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was an incredible leader and defender who revolutionized the game with his passion for winning.
He made the Celtics a great team and one of the most admired dynasties sports history. He was an unselfish friend and competitor who instilled confidence in his teammates to realize their potential.
Russell has inspired generations of players, coaches, and fans alike. His legacy will never be forgotten.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. We will forever remember you as one of basketball's greatest players.
Who holds record for most NBA career playoff wins?
LeBron Jam is the leading figure in the NBA Playoffs history with 174 wins and 266 games, so it's no surprise that he's one of the most sought after basketball players.
What is the NBA Draft, exactly?
The NBA Draft takes place every year and allows teams to choose the eligible players who will be joining the league. The draft takes place each June and is divided into two rounds with each team receiving one pick. The order of the draft will be determined by the teams' records from previous seasons. The worst team receiving the first and best picks respectively. The draft allows international and college players to be selected by teams. This event is crucial for teams because it allows them to find new talent and expand their rosters. This is also a great opportunity for players to move from international or college leagues to the NBA.
Statistics
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
bleacherreport.com
- Which NBA Team Will Participate In the Victor Wembanyama Tathon?
- Recent NBA Intel: Sources Expect Zach LaVine To Re-Sign With Chicago Bulls
twitter.com
- Tweet / Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
nba.com
How To
How can I prepare for an NBA Game Experience?
The best way to prepare for an NBA game experience is to ensure you have the right tickets. Tickets can be purchased online by the team, as well as through third-party sellers. You should also plan ahead to learn about the arena policies. This will ensure that you aren't in any misinformation. You will want to arrive at the arena on time to do warm-ups and pregame activities. Purchase team merchandise, such as a shirt, or hat, if needed. You should bring your camera and binoculars so you can take photos and see the action from the court. Finally, consider other entertainment options at halftimes, such as a concert or special event, if you don't want to miss any of the action. Enjoy the game.
