There's no question Joel Embiid is one of the absolute best players in the NBA. The franchise cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers, he makes ‘The Process' years well worth it even if those other picks never panned out. Joel Embiid is favorite for the NBA's MVP Award this season and according to Sixers head coach Doc Rivers, it shouldn't even be a debate. But where does Embiid see himself in the discussion surrounding the league's best players? In an interview with Showtime Basketball's Rachel Nichols, Embiid let it be known that he sees himself as the top player in the league.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) drives against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers’ 2 important contract decisions amid free agency crunchMalik Brown ·
Featured image Kelly Oubre Jr
76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. makes $8.4 million contract decision ahead of free agencyDylan Fine ·
76ers' Guerschon Yabusele surrounded by money
Ascending Western Conference squad named Guerschon Yabusele suitorAbdullah Imran ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers sign breakout bench piece to 3-year contract extensionAbdullah Imran ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
VJ Edgecombe gets touching gesture from 76ers Daryl MoreyMatty Breisch ·

The full interview has not been released yet, but in the available clip, Embiid also discussed what it would mean for him to finally win an MVP Award.

“People tell you that they don't care about it, they're lying. That's the best award you can get as a basketball player, it means a lot,” Embiid said. “If I were to win it, it would validate all the work that I put in. That's why I care about it because you put in so much work and if you get that recognition, it just validates that you didn't waste your time.”

This season Embiid was named to his sixth consecutive All-Star appearance. He has been averaging a career-high 33.1 points per game for the Sixers which leads the NBA in scoring. He's also been putting up 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.7 blocked shots with shooting splits of 54.8 percent from the field. 33 percent from the three-point line and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line. Joel Embiid is a very deserving MVP candidate.