Wondering how long has Joel Embiid been in the NBA? Well, Joel Embiid has been in the NBA for eight (8) seasons, starting his career in the 2016-2017 season after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014
Joel Embiid has become one of the most dominant players in the NBA, captivating fans and analysts alike with his remarkable skill set, towering presence, and sheer determination on the court.
Since being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014, Embiid’s journey in the NBA has been both challenging and rewarding.
This article delves into the timeline of Joel Embiid’s NBA career, highlighting his achievements, struggles, and the impact he has made on the league. From his early days of battling injuries to becoming the 2022-2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, we’ll explore how long Joel Embiid has been in the NBA and what his journey has entailed.
How Long Has Joel Embiid Been In The NBA? Complete Guide
Early Beginnings: Joel Embiid’s Entry into the NBA
Joel Embiid was born on March 16, 1994, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. His journey to the NBA began later than most, as he only started playing basketball at the age of 15.
Originally interested in playing soccer and volleyball, Embiid’s height and natural athleticism made him a standout basketball player, leading him to move to the United States to pursue the sport more seriously. He played one season of college basketball at the University of Kansas before declaring for the 2014 NBA Draft.
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Joel Embiid with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. However, due to a broken navicular bone in his foot, Embiid’s debut in the NBA was delayed by two seasons. He underwent surgery and missed both the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons. This period of uncertainty made many wonder if Embiid would ever be able to fully recover and fulfill his potential as a top NBA prospect.
Joel Embiid finally made his NBA debut on October 26, 2016, against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite limited minutes due to a cautious approach by the 76ers’ medical staff, Embiid’s impact was immediately felt. He scored 20 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots in just 25 minutes of play.
His performance signaled the arrival of a new star in the league, and “The Process” — a term synonymous with the 76ers’ rebuilding strategy — was beginning to show results.
In his rookie season, Embiid played in 31 games before being sidelined again, this time due to a torn meniscus. Despite the limited number of games, Embiid’s averages of 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His impact on the court was undeniable, and it was clear that if he could stay healthy, Embiid would be a force in the NBA.
Establishing Dominance: 2017-2020
The following seasons saw Joel Embiid establish himself as one of the premier centers in the NBA. From 2017 to 2020, Embiid continued to improve his game, expanding his offensive arsenal and becoming a defensive anchor for the 76ers. He was selected as an NBA All-Star for the first time in the 2017-2018 season and has been named to the All-Star team every season since.
During this period, Embiid averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant big men in the league. His versatility on both ends of the floor made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Embiid’s ability to shoot from three-point range, score in the post, and protect the rim made him a complete player, and he quickly became the face of the 76ers franchise.
Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Setbacks
While Joel Embiid’s talent was never in question, injuries continued to be a concern throughout his career. In addition to the foot and knee injuries that plagued his early years, Embiid has dealt with various other ailments, including back issues and hand injuries. Despite these challenges, Embiid’s determination to succeed has been unwavering.
The 2019-2020 season was particularly challenging for Embiid and the 76ers. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a disruption in the season, and while the 76ers were expected to make a deep playoff run, they were swept in the first round by the Boston Celtics. Embiid’s performance was solid, but the team’s overall struggles led to questions about the future direction of the franchise.
The 2020-2021 season marked a turning point in Joel Embiid’s career. Under the guidance of new head coach Doc Rivers and with a revamped roster, Embiid took his game to new heights.
He finished the season averaging a career-high 28.5 points per game, along with 10.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. His dominant performances led to him being a finalist for the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, eventually finishing second in the voting behind Nikola Jokić.
The following season, 2021-2022, saw Embiid continue to excel, earning his fifth consecutive All-Star selection. He led the league in scoring with an average of 30.6 points per game, becoming the first center since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win the NBA scoring title. Despite his individual success, the 76ers were unable to advance past the second round of the playoffs, leading to more changes within the organization.
Finally, in the 2022-2023 season, Joel Embiid’s perseverance and hard work paid off as he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player. He averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, leading the 76ers to one of the best records in the Eastern Conference. His MVP award was a testament to his growth as a player and his impact on the game.
The Present and Future: Joel Embiid’s Continuing Legacy
As of the 2023-2024 season, Joel Embiid has been in the NBA for eight seasons, all with the Philadelphia 76ers. His career has been marked by incredible highs and challenging lows, but through it all, Embiid has remained one of the most dominant players in the league. With a career average of 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, Embiid’s impact on the court is undeniable.
Looking ahead, the future remains bright for Joel Embiid. At 30 years old, he is in the prime of his career and continues to be a cornerstone for the 76ers. The team’s success will largely depend on Embiid’s ability to stay healthy and continue performing at an elite level. With the right pieces around him, the 76ers have the potential to compete for an NBA championship, and Embiid will undoubtedly be at the center of that pursuit.
How Long Has Joel Embiid Been In The NBA FAQs
How long has Joel Embiid been in the NBA?
Joel Embiid has been in the NBA for eight seasons as of the 2023-2024 season. He was drafted in 2014 but did not make his debut until the 2016-2017 season due to foot injuries.
What teams has Joel Embiid played for?
Joel Embiid has played his entire NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers.
How many All-Star selections does Joel Embiid have?
Joel Embiid has been selected as an NBA All-Star seven times.
Has Joel Embiid won an MVP award?
Yes, Joel Embiid won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2022-2023 season.
What are Joel Embiid’s career averages?
As of the 2023-2024 season, Joel Embiid’s career averages are 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
What injuries has Joel Embiid dealt with during his career?
Joel Embiid has dealt with several injuries, including a broken navicular bone in his foot, a torn meniscus, back issues, and hand injuries.
How many games has Joel Embiid played in his career?
As of the 2023-2024 season, Joel Embiid has played in 433 career games.
What is Joel Embiid’s shooting percentage?
Joel Embiid has a career shooting percentage of 50.4% from the field, 34.1% from three-point range, and 82.6% from the free-throw line.
What is “The Process” in relation to Joel Embiid?
“The Process” refers to the Philadelphia 76ers’ rebuilding strategy that involved acquiring young talent through the draft, including Joel Embiid, who became the face of the franchise during this period.
What are Joel Embiid’s future prospects in the NBA?
Joel Embiid’s future in the NBA looks promising as he is in the prime of his career. With continued health and strong performances, he has the potential to lead the 76ers to an NBA championship.
Joel Embiid’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. From overcoming injuries to becoming one of the most dominant players in the league, Embiid’s impact on the game is undeniable.
As he continues to lead the Philadelphia 76ers, his legacy as one of the greatest centers of his generation is cemented.
Whether you’re a fan of “The Process” or simply appreciate greatness on the court, Joel Embiid’s career is one worth celebrating. Keep following his journey, as the best may be yet to come.
Call to Action: Stay updated with the latest news and analysis on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers by subscribing to our newsletter. Don’t miss out on any of the action as Embiid continues to make history in the NBA.
Still not yet sure how much does it cost a person on average for inpatient rehabilitation in the state of Wisconsin?On average, inpatient rehabilitation in Wisconsin costs between $6,000 to $20,000...
Dimopoulos Law Firm F1 is a specialized legal institution that has garnered immense recognition in the field of motorsports law, particularly Formula 1.
The firm’s unique position within this...
