76ers’ Joel Embiid Says Health for Playoffs More Important than 2024 MVP Campaign

zach bacharContributor IJanuary 16, 2024

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Joel Embiid isn’t worried about earning another MVP, revealing that he’d rather prioritize his health and prepare for a playoff run for the Philadelphia 76ers.

“It doesn’t matter how many games I play, the goal is to be healthy the rest of the year,” Embiid told reporters on Monday, per ESPN.

The 29-year-old is in the midst of another incredible season with the 76ers, although he’s already missed 10 games. This puts him in jeopardy of disqualification for the MVP award, which requires eligible candidates to appear in at least 65 games for their respective teams.

“I’ve already done it,” said Embiid, who won the prestigious award for his 2022-23 campaign. “If I have a chance to get a second one, I’ll do it. I’m not going to force myself or push for it. My game is always going to speak for itself. We’re winning. That’s the main thing. We’ve got to keep winning and you put in the stats to be in the [MVP] conversation that’s great, too.”

“But at the end of the day, if there’s something going on, and I can’t meet the requirement for the amount of games played to qualify for that, then so be it,” he added.

Prior to Monday’s action, Embiid was already averaging a league-leading 34.6 points to go along with 11.8 rebounds per game while shooting 53.5 percent from the field. He’s also assumed a larger playmaking role in new head coach Nick Nurse’s offense, recording a career-high 6.0 assists each night.

Embiid was dominant yet again as Philadelphia cruised to a 124-115 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday, putting up 41 points and 10 rebounds while connecting on 12 of his 21 shot attempts. He has now scored at least 40 points on seven separate occasions this season.

Philadelphia 76ers @sixers26 first half points for @JoelEmbiid!

V🌟TE: https://t.co/gI3jhXlcyd pic.twitter.com/JBiKEBnwX8

The 76ers are 25-13 this season, good enough for third place in the Eastern Conference. However, Embiid is aware that Philadelphia will largely be judged by its postseason success. Despite making the playoffs in six consecutive seasons entering this year, the 76ers haven’t been able to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.