Joel Embiid was awarded the KIA NBA MVP award last Tuesday night, giving him the first time in his career. Behind a stellar season from the Cameroonian big man, let's take a look at the man who helped raise the renowned basketball star, who's making a name for himself in the NBA.
Thomas Embiid is the father of the Philadelphia 76ers' center. According to playersbio.com, he was a military man who served as a colonel in Cameroon's military forces. Thomas also played handball professionally in the early years of his career.
Together with Christine, his wife Thomas raised Joel and two other kids. Joel is the eldest and Muriel is their only daughter. Their lastborn, Arthur, passed away back in 2014 in a car crash.
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Joel thanked his family after finding out he won the MVP last Tuesday night. Watch the video below.
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During most home games in Philly, Thomas and Christine are often seen watching games from the courtside. Joel's parents are some of his biggest fans and have supported his basketball journey since getting his chance at Kansas.
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Aside from Joel Embiid, who are the other international players to win the MVP?
Joel Embiid made history when he joined Allen Iverson as the only two players for the Sixers to win the MVP in the modern NBA. But that isn't the only history that Embiid has made since he won the award. The big man made history as part of a short list of international players to win the award.
With that said, let's take a look at the other international players to win the MVP award.
Joel Embiid
Hailing from Cameroon, Embiid finally won the MVP after losing to Nikola Jokic in back-to-back seasons. This was his first time winning the award.
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic is the Serbian center controlling the offense for the Denver Nuggets. Jokic has won the last two MVP awards.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Known as the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo won back-to-back MVP awards in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. He lost to Jokic and missed out on winning a third straight MVP.
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki won the MVP back in the 2006-07 season and led the Dallas Mavericks to a 67-15 record. The German legend won the NBA title back in 2011 against the Miami Heat.
Steve Nash
The Canadian point guard defied all odds and changed the way the game is being played after his MVP season. Steve Nash won the MVP award two seasons in a row in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons.
Tim Duncan
Although he represented Team USA on the international scene, Tim Duncan is from the Virgin Islands. He won two MVPs in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons.
Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon was the first international player to win the award when he became the MVP back in the 1993-94 season. The Nigerian center even won the championship in the same season.
Also read: "Trust the process"- NBA fans are going nuts after Joel Embiid wins MVP for the 2022-23 season
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