Joel Embiid says he’s still the MVP, despite missing so many games

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid says he is still the MVP this season, despite missing games due to injury.

The 2020-21 NBA season is heading into its final month, which means the MVP debate is only going to heat up. Names like Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers are considered the favorites, but there has been one name in the Eastern Conference that has dropped down the rankings.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is a dominant presence when he takes the court, but he has missed 10 games this season due to injury. Following the 76ers’ 117-93 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Embiid said the injuries should not disqualify him from winning what he feels he has deserved, and that is the NBA MVP award.

“When it comes to the MVP stuff, I feel like I’m still right there. When I’m on the floor, I feel like I’ve been the best all season,” said Embiid, via Sports Illustrated’s Kevin McCormick. “Just doing my thing, just dominating. I’ve been dominant all season, and I’m not gonna stop.”

76ers: Joel Embiid believes he should be the NBA MVP this season even with missed games caused by injuries

Embiid was on a roll through the nearly first three months of the 2020-21 campaign before Philadelphia’s March 12 game against the Washington Wizards. During the game, Embiid’s left knee bent awkwardly following a dunk attempt, looking like it could potentially be a season-ending injury. Luckily, Embiid was only diagnosed with a bone bruise, but missed Philadelphia’s next 10 games.

Despite Embiid sidelined through that span of games, the 76ers still went 7-3, as their only losses came against the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and the Nuggets.

Upon making his return, Embiid returned to his usual dominant self, as he dropped 24 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Apr. 3. Three days later, Embiid recorded 35 points in Philadelphia’s 106-96 win over the Boston Celtics.

As of this writing (prior to Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks), Embiid is averaging 29.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals all while shooting 51.8-percent from the field.

Embiid feels his 10 missed games should not prevent him from receiving votes in the NBA MVP competition, and he has 19 more contests for himself to further prove his case.