Watch: Joel Embiid awarded 2023 NBA MVP trophy by Commissioner Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presented the KIA MVP award to Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of their Game 3 bout against the Boston Celtics. He's the first Sixers player to win the Most Valuable Player award since Allen Iverson back in the 2000-01 season.
Embiid finished the season averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds amd 4.2 assists. Adding to that, the Cameroonian center shot 54.8% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. With his stellar outing this season, it was easy for voters to give him the most prestigious individual award this season.
Watch as the commissioner presents the award to the league's new MVP.
Commissioner Adam Silver presents Joel Embiid with the MVP 🙌🏆 https://t.co/0gBYE9X4YM
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Joel Embiid shares a heartwarming message after receiving the MVP award
After Joel Embiid was given the MVP award, he took his time to thank the people who have given him countless of chances to become a great player. Before his speech, Embiid became emotional as his son, Arthur, ran to him. The MVP couldn't hold back his tears as he caught Arthur with his open arms.
Joel Embiid and his son during his MVP speech 🥹 https://t.co/AFMAAYBebn
In his speech, he credited Arthur as his source of inspiration and why he strives to be the best. Embiid also made sure that he showed love to his fiance.
"Honestly, this is the main reason why I'm really here. Becoming a father changed my whole life and I just want to show him a good example. I'm glad he's here with us. My fiance, she's been a big part of it."
Congratulations, Joel Embiid. 🔥
https://t.co/E0FzcZhsiF
Lastly, the four-time All-NBA didn't forget to mention his mentor, and the NBA player who saw his potential back when he was still in Cameroon.
"The main guy that gave me the opportunity is Luc Mbah a Moute. He gave me the opportunity to come to the US and I'm here." Embiid said.
Mbah a Moute was the one who discovered Embiid when he was still a teenager. It was at his basketball camp in Cameroon where the Sixers star had the chance to showcase what he had at the time. Luckily for him, the former Milwaukee Bucks swingman was generous enough to give him a shot to make his dreams come true.
The Sixers are expecting a lot from Joel Embiid after winning the MVP
Now that Joel Embiid has been named the 2023 NBA MVP, it's upon him to carry the Sixers to a deep playoff run. In his return from a sprained injury, Embiid only had 15 points, three rebounds and five blocks. His statline from Game 2 isn't what they need right now.
He needs to prove to himself and his team that getting the MVP award isn't a fluke. After an embarrassing loss in Game 2, the Sixers are expected to bounce back and take a commanding 2-1 lead over Boston.
Also read: "Sympathy MVP” – Fans in split after Joel Embiid's emotional 2023 MVP speech