Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is in the running for MVP this year and is easily one of the most celebrated – and feared – players in the NBA.
Because of this, he’s got a huge target on his back among other players.
This has led to a really incredible, jaw-dropping stat that you don’t see every day.
Joel Embiid is averaging 0.35 free throws per minute.
That’s the most by any player in a season in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/Iuh2KmRFCM
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 27, 2022
Statmuse has pointed out that Embiid is averaging .35 free throws per minute, which is the most by any player in NBA history.
What is leading to so many free throws for Embiid and is this a sign that he’s really the one to beat in the MVP race?
Embiid In Control
The 7-foot center is playing perhaps the best basketball of his career this year.
He is averaging a whopping 29.8 points and 11.1 rebounds a game, helping his team rise to third place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 37-23.
Embiid has really come alive this season and everyone is noticing – from analysts to reporters to other teams and players.
Along with Nikola Jokic and a few others, Embiid’s name is always towards the top of any MVP ranking.
With such success comes challenges too.
The rest of the league knows just how well Embiid is doing and they want to stop him at every available chance.
That’s why he is getting fouled so much and that is why he is heading to the free-throw line so often.
With nearly 30 points a game, other teams will do whatever they have to do to try and shut down all of Embiid’s plays.
But he is still making his points no matter what other teams throw at him which is all the more reason why he should be a serious contender for Most Valuable Player this year.
NEXT: The 76ers Have A Historic Trio In Place Featuring James Harden