One major factor that led to Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid's MVP-level season last year was his health. After years of critics commenting on his weight and conditioning, the All-Star center emphasized taking better care of his body. Embiid hired a personal chef and came into the 2020-21 season in much better physical shape compared to previous seasons.

Following the second day of training camp on Wednesday, Doc Rivers was asked his thoughts on what he has seen from the franchise cornerstone. Along with praising his work on the floor, the Sixers coach also complimented where Embiid is from a physical standpoint.

“He's in great shape, much better shape. Which is great because last year he took a big step in conditioning, and then this year he comes, and he's in even better shape,” said Rivers.

This update is extremely encouraging, considering Embiid did not enter the offseason healthy. The early parts of his summer were spent rehabbing the small tear of the meniscus in his right knee he suffered during the opening round of the playoffs. To not only get back to full health but improve his conditioning is a testament to how serious Embiid is on getting his body right.

Staying on the floor has been the key to Embiid asserting himself in the upper echelon of NBA superstars. If not for games missed last season, he likely beats out Nikola Jokic for MVP.

The Sixers will need Embiid at his best as they get ready for the upcoming regular season. With Ben Simmons nowhere in sight, more is to be expected from the Sixers' other All-Star to weather the storm until this saga meets its end. After seeing what he did last season, it's scary to think he could be even more dominant in an improved physical condition.