Back in 2021-2022, Joel Embiid fired up what would become a five-year NBA trend.
The Philadelphia 76ers star made NBA history that year, as he became the first international player to win a scoring title.
After Steph Curry won it one year prior, Embiid averaged 30.57 points per game. He went back-to-back in 2022-2023 by producing 33.08 points per game in 2022-2023.
Had Embiid avoided a knee injury in 2023-2024, he might’ve three-peated for the title. The veteran center produced 34.7 points per game in 39 games. Before he missed the 65-game mark, Embiid led the league in points.
Instead of Embiid, the NBA saw Luka Doncic win the title during his final full season with the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic averaged 33.86 points per game.
Last year, the NBA crowned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the MVP for the first time in his career. The Thunder guard was the scoring champion with 32.68 points per game.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after a basket against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after a basket against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
This year, Luka Doncic made his way back on top. Before going down with an unfortunate hamstring strain late in the year, Doncic was scoring 33.48 points per game. He ends up as the league’s leader, carrying on a five-year trend.
via NBA PR: The 2025-26 NBA regular-season leaders in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals per game.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
What was turning out to be a strong comeback season for Embiid ended in disappointment.
The star center debuted on time back in October after getting a second surgery on his knee last year. By early November, Embiid missed a chunk of games due to knee soreness.
When the star center returned to the court in late November, Embiid started to find consistency with his availability. In 25 games, Embiid shot 50.0% from the field, posting averages of 28.3 points per game, 8/0 rebounds per game, and 4.0 assists per game.
After missing five games in a row due to knee soreness in February, Embiid returned to the court for two games. He went out with an oblique strain on February 26. That recovery period lasted 13 games.
The Sixers were optimistic about Embiid entering the playoffs healthy. Unfortunately, another setback came into play. The big man was dealing with appendicitis, which required surgery. He missed the final three games of the regular season.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
On Wednesday, the Sixers are hosting the Orlando Magic for the NBA Play-In Tournament. Embiid is not expected to play.
If the Sixers clinch the seventh or the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, Embiid’s status in any of those games will be considered up in the air.
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Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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