Welcome to the Morning Shootaround, where every weekday you’ll get a fresh, topical column from one of SI.com’s NBA writers: Howard Beck on Mondays, Chris Mannix on Tuesdays, Michael Pina on Wednesdays, Chris Herring on Thursdays and Rohan Nadkarni on Fridays.
Joel Embiid’s leap from imposing All-Star to unstoppable MVP candidate can be spelled out in several different ways, from his rectified physical condition to an evolved support system, courtesy of a fresh front office and coaching staff.
In partial thanks to being surrounded by reputable outside shooters who weren’t around last season, Embiid’s post-ups have become an even more turbulent nightmare, he’s less prone to bail opponents out with an early three and no center since a few years before Embiid was born has spent more time at the free-throw line than he currently does.