NBA MVP Power Rankings: Luka Doncic rises, who drops?

3. Joel Embiid

Last week's rank: 2

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have smashed every national media narrative that surrounded this team to begin the season. Behind some great play out of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, they have made this start possible.

After trading James Harden at the beginning of the season, many fans were skeptical of how the Sixers would look to begin the year. Not only have the Sixers looked amazing, but Maxey has become a potential MVP candidate in his own right.

However, even after such a magical start, the Sixers would drop two tough games in a row to respectable Eastern Conference opponents, which is why Embiid will drop one spot.

Embiid's numbers still look amazing though. Averaging 32 points per game and just under 12 boards, his double-double average has looked every bit of impressive. He has even showcased some boom potential, as he has had over 35 points in multiple games already.

He and Maxey have also created a dynastic duo between both of their skills. The absence of Harden brought a huge question mark for the Sixers and how Embiid would play with Maxey, but 12 games in the duo have looked like one of the best pairings in the league.

It will be important that the Sixers get back on track as they have a tough road ahead of them, including some key Western Conference road games.