Summary

The article discusses the personal journey and impact of NBA player Joel Embiid, from his beginnings in Cameroon to his rise as a potential MVP in the NBA, while also sharing a personal encounter with him.

Abstract

Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers' center, is highlighted as a towering figure in the NBA, both physically and in terms of his growing influence on the game. The article recounts Embiid's late start in basketball, his transition from volleyball aspirations, and his rapid ascent to the NBA after moving to the United States. Despite early injuries, Embiid has become a dominant player, leading his team to success and nearing an MVP title. The narrative also includes a personal anecdote from the author, who reflects on the experience of seeing Embiid in everyday life in Philadelphia and the challenge of finding the right words to say to such a prominent figure.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of awe at Embiid's stature and presence, both on and off the court.
There is an underlying admiration for Embiid's journey from Cameroon to the NBA, highlighting his determination and talent.
The author suggests that Embiid's success is not only due to his physical attributes but also his continuous improvement and learning in the game.
The article implies that Embiid's interactions with fans, including the author, reflect his approachability and positive influence in the community.
There is a hint of humor and self-deprecation in the author's account of their brief interaction with Embiid, emphasizing the surreal nature of conversing with a celebrity of his caliber.
The author seems to believe that Embiid is on a trajectory to become one of the greatest players in NBA history, referring to him as a potential "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time).

The Tallest Man In Town

Have you ever sat in floor level seats at a National Basketball Association (NBA) game?

I’ve been to a number of NBA games. I’ve always sat up pretty high at any arena in which the game was played. From my vantage point close to the rafters, the players seemed big.

But

Although an indoor arena my seats were usually far away from the court at an elevated level. The sightlines from higher up reduced the players and court to more ordinary size. Maybe it’s a trick your mind plays on you. No one on the floor looks as tall as the announced 7'2" the Philadelphia 76er center is supposed to be when he’s introduced.

Joel Embiid (jowel em-beed):

The Philadelphia 76er’s took a chance in 2014 when they traded up to have the third overall pick in the NBA draft. With that, they selected a young guy who had played college basketball for only one year (the University of Kansas).

Embiid started playing basketball in his native country Cameroon at 15 years old, an age when most American aspirants are refining the game they have been playing for 10 years or more.

Joel had his heart set on becoming a professional volleyball player in Europe. His volleyball dreams were interrupted by the only other NBA player to ever have come from Cameroon, a fellow euphoniously named Luc Mbah a Moute.

Embiid was was 16 years old when he was persuaded by Luc to come to the United States and enroll in Montverde Academy. After spending a year at that high school he then transfered to the Rock School (a private Christian School) to improve his chances of going on to college.

His eventual goal was to be a professional basketball player in the NBA — the Nirvana of the sport.

He did well enough, leading the Rock School to a Florida state championship, to be recruited by the University of Kansas among other Division 1 schools.

After all, he was a robust 6'9" and still growing.

Embiid only played 28 games with the Kansas Jayhawks when Philadelphia drafted him by default in the 2014 draft. Injured, Embiid fell to the number 3 pick that Sixers owned due to their desultory play the year before.

Some people accused them of purposely losing games in the 2013 season to move up in the following draft lottery.

A broken foot kept Embiid off the basketball court the first 2 years as a Sixer. Eventually, his foot healed and Wikipedia listed 7'0" 280 pound Joel played 31 games in 2016. He has been a leader and strong factor in the team's success since then.

Embiid seems to be improving every year. It’s almost like he’s still learning.

He’s on track to win the NBA, MVP award this season, just missing out, coming in 2nd, last season due to injury.

Recently, against the competitive Cavaliers, Embiid put up 40 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals in just 33 minutes.

He’s been hitting those mind-blowing figures on a regular basis all season.

MVP, MVP, MVP is the chant whenever Embiid stands at the foul line (he’s an 89% foul shooter).

You can hear the crowd MVP, MVP at home AND away.

One of Joel’s residences is in Center City Philadelphia in a 2,750 square foot space that has 3 bathrooms and a view of Philadelphia from 40 stories up. It’s about a block away from where my real estate office was. I’ve recently retired and have given up my lease

I would have an Embiid spotting often when I hustled down the street to catch the train home after work.

Joel would be standing on the corner of 16th and Chestnut holding court for, mostly high school boys, that appeared to be less than 1/2 his size.

He was always smiling, conversing and signing autographs upon request.

Casually — usually very casually dressed; sometimes more casual than others.

I thought that I could possibly be an ambassador of goodwill for the business community by saying a mature something as I passed on on the way to the train.

A break from the kids.

What you say to the tallest man in town:

I didn’t really know what to say to a 7' 2" Joel Embiid, soon to become the GOAT of the NBA — if present is prologue.

But I certainly knew what I shouldn't say!

You know, corny things like:

How’s the air up there? Where do you buy your clothes? How tall are you exactly? Are your mom and dad tall?

My time came in the summer of 2017.

Joel was standing on the same corner as he had in summers past. Dressed in a white tee and knee-length shorts (probably a pair of men’s regular pants) and massive flip-flops.

He was there, just enjoying the beautiful weather; looking and being looked at.

My chance.

Make it meaningful Brian:

Yahoo! I lead off with the patented Philadelphia phrase used by Rocky in movies: Rocky, RockyII, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V, Rocky VI, and Rocky VII.

I then drew a blank for a follow-up.

JESUS, I’ve given investment seminars to 1000’s of people. I’ve talked to millionaires, a couple billionaires, I bought an investment property from the former mayor of Philadelphia, I went to college with Joe Biden:

I’ve done all these things!

Yahoo, I heard. from somewhere up far higher than my ears.

Shinning down with the warmest smile was — Joel Embiid.

He’s gotta be 7' 6" if he’s an inch.

I continued walking and caught my train home. I felt great!.

This post was self-publish 2/14/22