Joel Embiid Becomes Fifth Sixer to Claim NBA MVP

The NBA has announced its 2022-23 league MVP award, and it’s hard to argue.

After all, 76ers center Joel Embiid was indeed dominant in every way.

It marks the first time Embiid has won the award after years of being in the running. This time, he edged out finalists Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks and Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, winner of the previous two NBA MVPs. Before that, Antetokounmpo won it back-to-back.

Embiid is now the fifth member of the 76ers to have won the award — joining the likes of legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Allen Iverson, Julius Erving and Moses Malone.

EMVPIID. @Kia | #KiaMVP
?: @ChrisBMurray pic.twitter.com/K08H2My8FZ

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 2, 2023

“I’ve always believed that greatness emerges when talent meets relentless dedication. Joel’s season was legendary, and the MVP award is the latest milestone of his decorated career,” said 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey in a statement. “His impact on both sides of the ball places him in rarified air among all-time greats such as Hakeem, Kareem and Wilt.

“It has been a privilege to watch Joel over the last three seasons and I know this won’t be his last accomplishment as we continue to strive toward our ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship.”

Embiid is currently out for the Sixers’ Eastern Conference semifinal series vs. the Celtics, which Philadelphia leads by a 1-0 count. He is expected to miss Game 2, as we relayed here.

For the season, he averaged a league-high 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. That included averages of a whopping 36.8 points and 11.8 rebounds against the Celtics.