WATCH: Teary-eyed 76ers star Joel Embiid celebrates being named 2022-23 NBA MVP
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was honored with the 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award on Tuesday night. Nikola Jokic was runner-up in the MVP voting, with Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks coming in third. Embiid received 73 first-place votes. Jokic received 15 first-place votes, and Antetokounmpo received 12 votes.
Embiid becomes the fifth 76er to receive league MVP honors, joining Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson and Moses Malone. As a native of Cameroon, he is only the seventh international player to be named MVP since the award’s inception. He averaged 33.1 points per game this season and was awarded for his leading performance. Embiid was one of the key cogs in the wheel as the 76ers finished the regular season with a 54–28 performance, their best since 2000–01.
“It’s been a long time coming. 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 came from. I’m here How did I get there and what did I have to do to get here,” Embiid said.
76ers teammates congratulated Embiid on his great achievement. Embiid was in tears as he made the televised announcement and was surrounded by teammates James Harden, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxi.
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“I have watched Joel grow and develop over the past nine years into one of the greatest players in 76ers franchise history. Today is a proud day for our organization as Joel becomes the fifth Sixer to earn league MVP honors,” said managing partner Josh Harris. “Joel overcame adversity early in his career with a combination of tenacity and grit. and now, his intense work ethic has pushed him into the NBA history books. It’s a pleasure to watch him dedicate himself to the team and the city of Philadelphia. Joel, our fans and our city are honored to be honored with this honor. Congratulations for something we will always remember.”
76ers Co-Managing Partner David Blitzer said, “We’ve all seen the greatness of Joel Embiid throughout his career as a 76er, and I’m thrilled to see his extraordinary hard work and dedication on being recognized as the NBA MVP ” “Joel is a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose impact extends far beyond the court. When you think of the greatest players to wear a 76ers uniform, your mind naturally goes to legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson. Tonight, Joel cemented his place on that special list and we are all excited to watch him add to his legacy.
