MY ACCOUNT
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid says the way he has been playing speaks for itself about his credentials to win the coveted NBA MVP this season.
The five-time All-Star has enjoyed a dominant season for the Sixers despite the Ben Simmons trade saga, averaging 29.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and a career-high 4.5 assists.
Powered by Embiid who has been joined by James Harden in Philadelphia, the Sixers sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 35-23 record.
The 27-year-old finished third in MVP voting behind winner Nikola Jokic and Stephen Curry last season.
“I don’t want to push for the whole thing, but the way I’ve been playing speaks for itself,” Embiid told reporters on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s All-Star Game where he will play for Team Durant.
“Especially with everything we went through, the drama this whole year, obviously missing a big piece and then everything that happened to our team and the way our team is set up.
“I knew had to take my game to another level whether it was offensively, defensively or playmaking and I’ve got great teammates that are coming in every single day and giving their all on the floor.
“But it always goes back to winning. As long as we win I’ll be at that level and have a chance to win it all and win the MVP.
“But to answer your question, the play speaks for itself. Every single night that’s what I’ve been doing offensively and defensively and I don’t plan on stopping.”
Embiid, who was drafted by the Sixers with pick three in 2014, added that he felt this season was his best to date.
“There’s still another level that I can get to, that I believe I can get to and I plan to keep working to reach that level,” Embiid said.
“Last year was great [but] this year I really had to take my game to an even higher level than last year. I would say yes, so far, but still another level I can get to.”
