Joel Embiid

Cameroonian-American basketball center who became NBA MVP in 2023, known for his dominant two-way play and multiple scoring titles with Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Hans Embiid was born in Yaounde, Cameroon in 1994 and did not begin playing basketball seriously until he was 16. He was discovered by former NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute and within three years was a projected top pick. Philadelphia 76ers selected him third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft but injuries — foot surgery followed by more foot surgery — kept him off the court for his first two seasons entirely. When he finally played in 2016-17 he was named to the All-Rookie team. His subsequent development was remarkable: he became the most dominant scoring centre in the NBA, combining post moves, mid-range shooting, three-point range and elite free throw drawing into an almost unguardable offensive package. He won the NBA MVP award in 2023, scoring 33.1 points per game. He won the scoring title in 2022 and 2023. He was selected to seven All-Star games. He represented France internationally, having taken French citizenship, and won silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024. His 27.9 career scoring average is among the highest in NBA history for a centre. Persistent knee and foot issues have interrupted multiple seasons but have never diminished his peak impact.

Mobile center with elite post moves, three-point shooting, and rim protection

One of the most skilled big men in NBA history, transformed 76ers into contenders

• NBA MVP (2023)
• All-Star 7x
• Scoring Champion 2x
• All-NBA First Team 4x