Joel Embiid wins 2022-23 NBA MVP award – NBA Weblog – NBA Basketball Weblog
The NBA introduced right now that Philadelphia 76ers six-time All-Star heart Joel Embiid has been named the 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Helpful Participant. Embiid is the fifth 76er ever to seize league MVP honors, becoming a member of Corridor of Famers Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, and Moses Malone. The Cameroon native is the seventh worldwide participant to be named MVP because the award’s inception.
Embiid led the NBA in scoring for the second consecutive season, averaging 33.1 factors per sport, becoming a member of Corridor of Famer Wilt Chamberlain as the one 76ers ever to publish a median of 33-plus factors in a season. He’s the primary NBA participant to win consecutive scoring titles since teammate James Harden (three straight, 2017-20) and the primary 76er to take action since Corridor of Famer Allen Iverson (2000-02).
Embiid led the 76ers to a 54-28 common season, the group’s greatest since 2000-01. The third seed within the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Philadelphia is within the midst of an Japanese Convention Semifinals sequence in opposition to the Boston Celtics.
“I’ve watched Joel develop and evolve into one of many best gamers in 76ers franchise historical past over the past 9 years. In the present day is a proud day for our group as Joel turns into the fifth Sixer ever to seize League MVP honors,” Managing Companion Josh Harris mentioned. “Joel overcame adversity at the beginning of his profession with a mixture of perseverance and grit, and now, his intense work ethic has pushed him into the NBA historical past books. It’s been a pleasure to look at him dedicate himself to the group and town of Philadelphia. Cpngratulations to Joel, our followers, and our metropolis on an honor we are going to all the time bear in mind.”
“We have now all witnessed the greatness of Joel Embiid throughout his complete profession as a 76er and I’m thrilled to see his distinctive onerous work and dedication acknowledged by being named NBA MVP,” 76ers Co-Managing Companion David Blitzer mentioned. “Joel is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise whose affect extends far past the courtroom. While you consider the best gamers to ever put on a 76ers uniform, your thoughts naturally goes to legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson. Tonight, Joel has cemented his place on that particular record and we’re all excited to see him proceed so as to add to his legacy.”
This season additionally noticed Embiid add in 10.2 rebounds on a career-high 54.8% capturing from the ground. He’s the third participant in NBA historical past to common not less than 33 factors and 10 rebounds on 54% capturing from the ground, becoming a member of Chamberlain (1965-66 MVP) and fellow Corridor of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971-72 MVP).
Defensively, Embiid posted 1.7 blocks (seventh within the NBA) and 1.0 steals per outing. He and 2022-23 Kia NBA Defensive Participant of the Yr Jaren Jackson Jr. had been the one two gamers within the league this season to common not less than 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals.
“Let me begin by saying I’m completely thrilled for Joel on successful the MVP award. He’s the true deal and deserves each little bit of recognition that comes his means. He embodies every part that the dignity stands for. His drive to enhance is unmatched, and just like the saying ‘a dream doesn’t develop into actuality by way of magic, it takes onerous work’, he’s put within the work. What’s most spectacular is the why. He places within the work as a result of he needs to be a winner,” mentioned 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers. “This MVP award is a part of that journey. Whereas this can be a person award, in some ways it’s additionally a group award. Joel’s teammates have been unbelievable in contributing to his success. I couldn’t be prouder of all of them. It takes a village. From our employees, our coaches, our gamers and the complete group, congratulations to the massive fella.”
“I’ve all the time believed that greatness emerges when expertise meets relentless dedication. Joel’s season was legendary, and the MVP award is the most recent milestone of his adorned profession,” President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey mentioned. “His affect on either side of the ball locations him in rarified air amongst all-time greats corresponding to Hakeem, Kareem and Wilt. It has been a privilege to look at Joel over the past three seasons and I do know this received’t be his final accomplishment as we proceed to attempt towards our final objective of successful an NBA championship.”
