Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid has been nothing short of phenomenal in the NBA. After clinching his first regular season MVP award last season with impressive stats, Embiid continues to dominate the league this season.
Leading the NBA with an average of 34.6 points per game, along with 11.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks, Embiid’s performance has been a key driver behind the 76ers’ impressive 23-12 record, positioning them third in the Eastern Conference.
Joel Embiid Injury Woes: A Persistent Challenge
Despite his on-court brilliance, Joel Embiid’s journey hasn’t been devoid of hurdles. His history of knee problems has been a constant source of concern for the Sixers and their fans.
Recently, swelling in his knee caused him to miss his team’s latest game, adding to the six games he has already sat out of Philly’s last eight. This string of absences is stirring up conversations about his eligibility for this season’s MVP race.
The New NBA Rule: Impact on MVP Eligibility
The NBA has implemented a new rule stating that players must appear in at least 65 regular season games or play in 62 games before suffering a season-ending injury to be eligible for certain individual honors, including the MVP award. This rule, widely believed to discourage the practice of ‘load management,’ could significantly impact Joel Embiid’s chances of retaining the MVP title if his absence from the court continues.
Anyways here's Joel Embiid dropping 51 points on the #1 defense in the league pic.twitter.com/pHmlSbpeI9 https://t.co/xsJL5amyax
— 🦈🐋 (@EmbiidPlzWin) January 12, 2024
Joel Embiid’s Track Record: Balancing Performance and Health
Embiid’s injury history is a well-known narrative among Sixers fans, often causing anxiety whenever he’s out with any injury, minor or otherwise. His track record of never playing more than 70 games in a season, although commendable at 66 last season and 68 the year before, now places his MVP eligibility under the microscope.
The Philadelphia 76ers and their fans are closely monitoring Joel Embiid’s health and performance. With the NBA’s new eligibility rule for the MVP award, the balance between maintaining Embiid’s health and ensuring his presence on the court has never been more crucial. The coming games will be pivotal in determining if Embiid can meet the criteria while continuing to showcase his exceptional talent.
