The Philadelphia 76ers are only seven games into the 2020-21 season, but Joel Embiid is clearly leaving an early impression.
The 26-year-old center is averaging 23.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game this year.
It is enough for some to start mentioning his name as a potential MVP, at least it is for ESPN’s Max Kellerman.
The sports pundit made the very, very early case for Embiid on Wednesday during an episode of First Take, but it was Embiid’s defense, Kellerman said, that is currently putting him over the top of the rest of the league.
“You know who the best defensive player in the world this year is, I think? Joel Embiid,” Kellerman said. “I think he’s been the MVP of the league so far – on both ends of the floor – he’s the best player on the best team and he’s the best defender on that team, even better than Simmons so far this year.”
Kellerman’s comments came during a segment about whether or not the Sixers should still trade for James Harden, but Kellerman began making the argument that the Sixers need Simmons and Embiid’s defensive prowess to shut down Kevin Durant when it comes to the playoffs.
Obviously, this is all still very early to be making such proclamations – with 63 games still left to be played – but Embiid’s impact has not gone unnoticed.
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