Joel Embiid Injury Update, What Happened to Joel Embiid?
by Sangamithra
Updated Dec 02, 2023
Joel Embiid Injury Update
Joel Embiid's availability for the Philadelphia 76ers' game against the Boston Celtics is uncertain due to illness, as per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The star player missed the morning shootaround, and a decision on his participation will be made closer to the game. If he sits out, it will be his second consecutive absence after missing the last game due to illness.
Embiid has been a key contributor this season, averaging impressive stats with 32.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. The 76ers, with a 12-6 record, currently hold the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics, at 14-4, lead the conference. The game will have a significant impact on the standings, and Embiid's absence could influence the outcome.
Who is Joel Embiid?
Joel Embiid, born on March 16, 1994, is a professional basketball player from Cameroon who currently plays as a center for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 280 pounds, Embiid is known for his impressive skills on the court.
After playing college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks, he was selected as the third overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft. Unfortunately, injuries delayed his debut for two seasons, but he made a strong comeback in the 2016–17 season, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team despite playing only 31 games.
Embiid has achieved numerous accolades in his career, including being a six-time NBA All-Star, a five-time member of the All-NBA Team, and a three-time member of the All-Defensive Team. In 2023, he was honored as the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). He is also known for leading the NBA in scoring during the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, becoming the first center to do so since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.
Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the first foreign player to lead the NBA in scoring. His nickname, "the Process," originated from a slogan used by 76ers fans during the Sam Hinkie era, encouraging trust in the team-building process.
Full Name
Joel Hans Embiid
Date of Birth
March 16, 1994
Place of Birth
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Nationality
Cameroonian
Height
7 feet 0 inches (2.13 meters)
Weight
280 lbs (127 kg)
Position
Center
NBA Debut
October 26, 2016
Current Team
Philadelphia 76ers
Jersey Number
21
College
University of Kansas
Draft Year
2014 (Drafted by the 76ers)
Draft Pick
3rd overall
NBA Achievements
Multiple-time NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team selections, NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Joel Embiid's Early Life
Joel Embiid was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to his parents, military officer Thomas Embiid and Christine. In his early years, he played volleyball and soccer and initially planned to pursue a professional volleyball career in Europe. However, at the age of 15, he switched to basketball, drawing inspiration from NBA Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon.
Embiid's basketball journey took a significant turn when he was discovered by Luc Mbah a Moute, an NBA player and fellow Yaoundé native, at a basketball camp. Under Mbah a Moute's mentorship, Embiid decided to move to the United States at the age of 16 to focus on becoming a professional basketball player. He first enrolled at Montverde Academy, where Mbah a Moute had attended, but later transferred to The Rock School in Gainesville, Florida, due to limited playing time.
In his senior year, Embiid played a pivotal role, leading his team to a state championship with an impressive record of 33–4. He averaged 13.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Recognized as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Embiid committed to playing college basketball at Kansas in November 2012, marking a crucial step in his journey toward the NBA.
Joel Embiid Career
Joel Embiid, born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, initially dreamed of a career in professional volleyball but shifted to basketball at 15, inspired by NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon. Discovered by NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute, Embiid moved to the U.S. at 16, attending various schools before committing to the University of Kansas.
In his lone college season (2013-14), Embiid's talent shone, earning him recognition as a Naismith College Player of the Year finalist. Despite a stress fracture in his back, he entered the 2014 NBA draft, selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Injuries plagued his early professional years, sidelining him for two entire seasons.
Embiid's breakout occurred in the 2016-17 season, earning All-Rookie honors. The following season, he signed a significant contract extension with the 76ers. In 2018-19, he showcased his skills with impressive performances but faced playoff disappointment.
The 2019-20 season saw Embiid leading the 76ers in scoring, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. In the 2020-21 season, he emerged as an MVP candidate, guiding the 76ers to the Eastern Conference's best record. Despite individual success, they were eliminated in the playoffs.
Embiid signed a contract extension in 2021 and continued his stellar performance in the 2022-23 season, winning the NBA scoring title for the second consecutive year. He scored a career-high 59 points in a single game and was named the NBA MVP.
His international journey includes eligibility for the Cameroon national team and receiving citizenship from France and the U.S. In October 2023, he committed to representing the United States in the 2024 Olympics. Joel Embiid's career is marked by resilience, individual accolades, and a commitment to excellence on and off the court.
Joel Embiid Age
As of 2023, Joel Embiid is 29 years old. Born on March 16, 1994, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Embiid has become a prominent figure in the NBA, particularly as the star center for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Known for his exceptional skills, versatility, and dominant presence on the court, Embiid has achieved significant milestones in his career, including winning the NBA MVP award in the 2022-23 season. His age of 29 reflects the experience and maturity he brings to his role as a key player in professional basketball.
Joel Embiid Net Worth
As of 2023, Joel Embiid's net worth is estimated to be around $85 million, according to sources like Celebrity Net Worth and CAknowledge. The talented basketball player, born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, initially played soccer and volleyball during his childhood. Surprisingly, Embiid only started playing basketball at the age of 15 or 16.
Despite his late start, his remarkable skills and achievements in the NBA, notably with the Philadelphia 76ers, have contributed significantly to his financial success. Beyond the court, Embiid has become a well-known figure with substantial earnings, showcasing his impact both in sports and financially.
Joel Embiid Stats
2016–17
Philadelphia
31
31
25.4
.466
.367
.783
7.8
2.1
.9
2.5
20.2
2017–18
Philadelphia
63
63
30.3
.483
.308
.769
11.0
3.2
.6
1.8
22.9
2018–19
Philadelphia
64
64
33.7
.484
.300
.804
13.6
3.7
.7
1.9
27.5
2019–20
Philadelphia
51
51
29.5
.477
.331
.807
11.6
3.0
.9
1.3
23.0
2020–21
Philadelphia
51
51
31.1
.513
.377
.859
10.6
2.8
1.0
1.4
28.5
2021–22
Philadelphia
68
68
33.8
.499
.371
.814
11.7
4.2
1.1
1.5
30.6*
2022–23
Philadelphia
66
66
34.6
.548
.330
.857
10.2
4.2
1.0
1.7
33.1*
Career
394
394
31.8
.501
.337
.819
11.2
3.4
.9
1.7
27.2
All-Star
5
5
26.1
.623
.440
.750
9.4
1.2
.6
.8
23.8
Year
Team
GP
GS
MPG
FG%
3P%
FT%
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
PPG
What Happened to Joel Embiid?
Joel Embiid's recent absence from the Philadelphia 76ers' lineup is due to illness, causing him to miss a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. This marks his second consecutive absence.
The decision on his availability for the upcoming game against the Boston Celtics will be determined closer to tip-off. Embiid, a key player for the 76ers, has been averaging impressive stats this season with 32.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.
Joel Embiid Injury Update - FAQs
Joel Embiid was sidelined due to illness, causing him to miss consecutive games, and his availability for future games is being evaluated.
Embiid has been exceptional, averaging 32.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, showcasing his impact on the court.
His participation is uncertain; a decision on Embiid's availability will be made closer to the game, depending on his recovery from illness.
Embiid is a six-time NBA All-Star, multiple-time All-NBA First Team selection, and NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Embiid transitioned to basketball at 15, inspired by Hakeem Olajuwon, and moved to the U.S. at 16, eventually playing for the University of Kansas.