From Cameroon to NBA Star

When Joel Embiid arrived at Kansas from Cameroon he was just 18 years old he had hardly picked up a basketball in his life and all he really knew was Volleyball and Soccer. This youth and lack of familiarity almost put an abrupt end to "the process." In the Jayhawks first scrimmage, before the 2013 season, Tarik Black dunked on Joel so hard that he wanted to quit the game of basketball for good. Embiid went as far as looking for flights home and when he told his coach, Bill Self, that he wanted out Self responded with "You're going to be a top draft pick in a year or two." The hall of fame coach has done many impressive things in his career and he gets the ultimate credit of saving the so called "process." After averaging 11 points, eight rebounds, and almost three blocks during his only year in college, Joel was taken 3rd overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. I will never forget the look on his face that showed sheer disappointment. (Apparently the camera was delayed and he had a big smile on his face after the cutaway.)

The start of his NBA career was less than promising. Joel dealt with a broken bone in his foot that kept him out for not one but two seasons. He didn't play a single game from 2014-2016. NBA fans can remember countless big man with major foot problems including the likes of successful players in Yao Ming, and Bill Walton. Then you have your classic busts of big man who dealt with similiar issues like Greg Oden and Sam Bowie. Off topic a little here but you have to feel for the people of Portland as the Blazers drafted both of these guys over Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan. Tough look there. Hey at least they got the Dame Dolla pick right. Anyways, Embiid's foot injuries brought comparisons with these past players and concern over his durability was imminent.

Technically, by NBA ruling, the 2016-17 season was the rookie season for Embiid (the 76ers of course ran into this same concept with Ben Simmons shortly thereafter.) After a great stretch in the month of December, Embiid was named the Eastern Conference rookie of the month. Things seemed on the up and up for Joel until the injury bug swept him once again. Just before the All-Star break he would miss the rest of the season with a torn meniscus. The big fella just couldn't catch a break at this point.

In the case of Embiid money does really talk. His career took off when he signed a five year extension worth $148 million. Must be nice to play a game and make that much. Of course this was viewed as a risky move by Philly considering his injury ridden past. Safe to say the front office and staff "trusted the process." Flash forward to this season and Joel is a top three MVP candidate. I can honestly say that he has the best touch of any big man I have ever seen play. His versatility is the most impressive part as he can score in so many different ways. On the block, fading away, facing up, beyond the arc, you name it and Joel is dropping buckets on your favorite team this season. As far as the numbers go he's at nearly 30 points a game, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 51% and 38% from three. Seven footers are not supposed to be able to do that. The scoring and shooting percentages are career highs and he is also shooting a career high 85% from the charity stripe. Embiid seems to be on a mission this season as he says he's more focused on the game than the fooling around life.

Speaking of fooling around, Joel is well known for his antics both on the court and off the court. He is regarded as one of the bigger trash talkers across the association and he is not going to be shy when he makes a good play or wins a game. Not to mention he' got a top notch twitter game. While this is all hilarious as a fan when it comes down to it his job is to ball out and he's doing that this season to say the least. It'll be interesting to see what comes of this NBA season in the end. Can Embiid will his way over the hump in the postseason? Will he capture his first career MVP award? Exciting times in Philadelphia for sure.