2.10.22

Jaden Rivers  

           There’s many things that can draw you into the NBA, and with the surge of talent internationally with the likes of Jokic, Doncic, Antetokounmpo , Gobert, and my personal favorite Joel Embiid. When I became a fan of the NBA I had always gravitated to bigs, the Olajowans, Robinsons, O’Neals, and so on. In an age of pace and space the traditional back to the basket bigs were supposed to be the pastimes of a different era. 

Embiid has gone ballistic, affecting every part of the game and helping the 76ers creep up the eastern conference standings. From the 50 point game in Orlando, the other 50 point game in Phili against the Bulls. My favorite game all season was the 76ers against Charlotte,  getting back to back wins. Embiid has not only scored at an all time level (more on this in this video) . But he’s also refined his game, from the pull-up jumper from 15, running the floor converting a career high in assists.

            As I said the League has never been infused with this much talent. In a league centered around guard play and omnichannel abilities, to still find a center stand amongst the best of them is enlightening. Before Jokic an MVP hadn’t been a center since Shaq in the 99-0 season. With the League looking for the next shaq throughout the following decade, the quality of Bigs had depleted and in essence looked like it had disappeared. I’d say it has as well, as the bigs of the past wouldn’t fit in this league as they are nowhere near rounded out as there are now. In today’s league if you aren’t strictly a Rim-Running big like a Clint Capela or Samuel Adams; you better pick up some ball skills.

A densen MVP race is starting to part ways with Kevin Durant’s injury his play will soon fall to earth, with draymond coming back it should brighten up in GS with Curry’s putrid shooting, and Jokic never seems to cool down. But it’s clear for me, Embiid is my MVP as he’s in a stacked Eastern Conference with no players on his team close to his level. Despite the turmoil with Ben Simmons, which I truly hope clears Phili has still gotten to watch some fantastic basketball from the Cameroon Superstar. 

You can witness Joel and the 76ers Friday, February 11th as the OKC Thunder come into town. This is Jaden Rivers and I hope you have a great day,