Joel Embiid has officially been named the 2022-2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player.
The Philadelphia 76ers center bested the likes of two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo — all of whom were ranked ahead of him in the MVP race in late December 2022 — to take home the Michael Jordan NBA MVP trophy. He led the list with a total of 915 points, more than 200 points ahead of Jokić, Antetokounmpo and Tatum who trailed behind.
The 29-year-old athlete averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, and played three 50-point games this season including his career-high 59 points against the Utah Jazz in November 2022. He is the first 76er since Allen Iverson in 2001 and the second winner from Africa after Hakeem Olajuwon to win MVP.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Embiid said in a statement. “A lot of hard work. I’ve been through a lot. I’m not just talking about basketball. I’m talking about my life. My story. Where I come from. How I got here and what it took for me to be here.”
“I am absolutely thrilled for Joel on winning the MVP award. He is the real deal and deserves every bit of recognition that comes his way,” added 76ers head coach Doc Rivers. “He embodies everything that the honor stands for. His drive to improve is unmatched, and like the saying ‘a dream doesn’t become reality through magic, it takes hard work’, he’s put in the work.”
In other NBA news, Dillon Brooks will not be returning to the Memphis Grizzlies.
