Joel Embiid named January’s Eastern Conference Player of the Month

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Sixers
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, right, dribbles the ball as Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid was crowned as January’s Eastern Conference Player of the Month after an unbelievable month. This is his second month winning this award this season. From his 42-point, 11-rebound statement to begin the New Year against the Pelicans to his 47-point-18 rebound-5 assist MVP statement game over Nikola Jokic. Speaking of Jokic, he was named the Western Conference Player of the Month.

Over the course of the month, Embiid played in 10 games, leading the Sixers to an 8-2 record during that time. He averaged a mind-boggling 34.9 points per game on 54.9% shooting from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc. Embiid also shot 86.1% from the charity stripe, constantly making the other teams constantly pay for fouling him so regularly.

Embiid is one of the best offensive players in the entire league, and this past month has shown that every single night. Out of his ten games played, he scored 30 or more points in all of them except one, leading Philly to an 8-2 record. Beyond just his scoring, his defense, rebounding, and even his playmaking have been at the top of his game. In January, Embiid averaged 10.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.0 steals, and 3.2 assists per game.

The Philadelphia 76ers, similar to every year, have one of the top 5 players in the league in the case of Joel Embiid, who may finally force his way into winning an MVP. After his last two incredible years, both leading to two consecutive second-place finishes for MVP and not being named an All-Star starter this season despite his second Player of the Month award, Embiid appears to have a bigger chip on his shoulder than ever before.

Hopefully, Joel Embiid gets the recognition he deserves, whether that be an MVP or, even better, a Larry O’Brien Trophy.