"Joel Embiid has to be up there if not number one": Stephen A. Smith makes a bold claim about Sixers star

For the third straight season, Joel Embiid is right in the middle of the MVP conversation. After coming up short over the past two years, some are beginning to feel that this is the time for the Philadelphia 76ers star to secure the hardware.

Over the last few seasons, Embiid has cemented himself as one of the most dominant forces in the NBA. His incredible play on both ends of the floor has led the charge for the Sixers as they have contended in the Eastern Conference.

Through 54 games this year, the six-time All-Star is averaging 33.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks. Currently, the 76ers (45-22) sit in third place in the Eastern Conference.

With the NBA regular season coming to a close, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the current state of the MVP race. He feels that with the way the Denver Nuggets have struggled lately, that Joel Embiid should be ahead of two-time winner Nikola Jokic.

"I don't want to hear anything about Jokic being the frontrunner for the MVP right now the way Denver has tailed off. Joel Embiid, I'm sorry, that man has got to be right up there, if No. 1."

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The Nuggets still hold the top spot in the Western Conference, but are riding a three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the 76ers are winners of their last five matchups.

Is this the year for Joel Embiid to win MVP?

There is still a good amount of games left, but Joel Embiid is putting together an impressive case to finally secure the MVP award. His play as of late has been nothing short of incredible, and the Philadelphia 76ers continue to rack up wins.

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If Embiid continues to play on a nightly basis and puts up big numbers, he might be able to pull away in the race. Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo also have strong cases, but voters might cling to a fresh face taking home the hardware.

What separates Embiid from Jokic in discussions is his impact on both ends of the floor. There is no denying that the Denver Nuggets star is a generational talent with the ball in his hands, but his defense is average as best. That being said, Embiid has won games for Philly with big plays on offense and defense.

As most know, it has not been an easy road for Joel Embiid in the NBA. His finally winning MVP would be the culmination of one of the craziest career arcs the league has ever seen.