Philadelphia 76ers: Forget rising, Joel Embiid is already a star

With All-Star weekend in full swing, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is proving why he’s already one of the league’s brightest stars.

Good news Philadelphia 76ers fans, you’re team has finally found a new star.

After only 75 games in the NBA, Joel Embiid, the team’s 7-foot tall Cameroonian big man has been awarded an opportunity to spend the weekend at the Staple Center with some of the league’s best players, and after only two days in La La Land, it’s abundantly clear that he deserves the opportunity.

As a member of the World squad in Friday’s Rising Stars challenge, Embiid put on a show in front of the entire league and did so as a man among boys. Sure, he only scored five points in nine minutes on six shots, by far the smallest sample size of any player on the team, Embiid didn’t need to overextend himself on day one of All-Star weekend, he had bigger fish to fry.

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Because unlike the games other rising stars, Embiid is also an All-Star, the only sophomore player on the team, and by far the youngest starter.

Currently averaging a double-double for the season, with over 23.5 points and 11 rebounds a game, the Sixers center has quickly staked his claim to the title of the NBA’s premier center, and at only 23 years old, he hasn’t even entered his prime.

But to truly be a star in any sport, especially the NBA, one has to not only perform on the court but be compelling off it.

It’s too bad Embiid is so reserved and quiet…..

But seriously, between his incredible social media presence, propensity for a fantastic quote, and near symbiotic relationship with his fans, seemingly no players in the modern age has embodied what it means to be a star in the social media era than Embiid, and he’s quickly finding his way into the hearts of millions of adoring fans across the globe.

And if he’s got any say in the matter, Embiid and his new look 76ers are just getting started.

After winning a league-worst 28 wins over his first two seasons in South Philly, the 76ers have quickly risen up the NBA ranks with Embiid manning the paint, and with the emergence of Ben Simmons and Dario Saric, his Rising Star frontcourt mates, the team looks primed to finally make the playoffs for the first time in the Brett Brown-era. Currently sitting third in the Atlantic Conference with a 30-25 record, Embiid has seemingly willed his team into a force to win any game they appear in, with wins against the Rockets and Spurs to prove it.

Even though Embiid didn’t win the NBA Skills Challenge, he was once again arguably the most entertaining player on the court, making headlines for performing with the tag still on his uniform.

With the center now ready to take part in the weekend’s main event, the All-Star game, Embiid will finally be given the opportunity he desperately craves, a chance to showcase he skills against the leagues best players in front of the entire word. While playing alongside players like Steph Curry, James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Demar DeRozan, Embiid will be able to showcase his dynamic, multifaceted game against some of the league’s best players, and hear his name called in the starting lineup.

Talk about an ego boost for a first time All-Star.

Though the game is purely an exhibition, this opportunity is obviously one Embiid relishes, especially after the troubled path he’s taken to the NBA.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers: Trio of stars on World team shows future is bright

Whether it be moving to a foreign country to play basketball as a teenager, missing his first two professional seasons due to injuries, or losing his younger brother in a car accident while away from home, the Sixers center has fought tooth and nail for his chance at NBA supremacy, and after only 75 games, it’s clear that Joel Embiid has firmly landed among the stars.