It sucks for Embiid that he got hurt last night, but the fact that he might be completely out of the MVP running by early February is actually kind of nice.
He's having an absolutely outstanding season (36 ppg, 11.4 rpg, and 5.8 apg), but when you're on pace to miss a quarter or more of a season (which he is, he's already missed 12 games this year) you shouldn't be eligible to win the MVP. With the new rule change he isn't.
By comparison, the other 4 players in the top 5 race for the MVP (per NBA.com) are:
Nikola Jokic (has only missed one game and is averaging 26.3, 11.9, 9.0)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (has only missed one game and is averaging 31.1, 5.6, and 6.4)
Giannis Antetokuonmpo (has only missed two games and is averaging 31.3, 11.7, and 6.2)
and Jayson Tatum (missed 3 games, 27.0, 8.4, and 4.4)
By comparison, the NFL hasn't had an MVP winner miss a quarter of the season since Elway won it in 87 (Year of the Scab),
He's having an absolutely outstanding season (36 ppg, 11.4 rpg, and 5.8 apg), but when you're on pace to miss a quarter or more of a season (which he is, he's already missed 12 games this year) you shouldn't be eligible to win the MVP. With the new rule change he isn't.
By comparison, the other 4 players in the top 5 race for the MVP (per NBA.com) are:
Nikola Jokic (has only missed one game and is averaging 26.3, 11.9, 9.0)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (has only missed one game and is averaging 31.1, 5.6, and 6.4)
Giannis Antetokuonmpo (has only missed two games and is averaging 31.3, 11.7, and 6.2)
and Jayson Tatum (missed 3 games, 27.0, 8.4, and 4.4)
By comparison, the NFL hasn't had an MVP winner miss a quarter of the season since Elway won it in 87 (Year of the Scab),
