On May 2, Joel Embiid became the first Sixer since Allen Iverson in 2001 to be named NBA MVP. While many expected Denver’s Nikola Jokic to become the first back-to-back-to-back MVP since Larry Bird, Embiid pulled away in the final weeks of the season. However, Embiid’s MVP was far from unanimous. Embiid received 73 of 100 first-place votes, but two writers even voted Embiid as low as third. Jokic received 15 first-place votes while the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo received 12.
Despite this, Embiid’s MVP has been a long time coming for many people. He finished second in voting to Jokic the past two years. While Embiid has been in the NBA for nearly a decade now, he has truly begun to come into his own in the past few seasons. In recognition of finally earning the title, he received a very special gift from one of his teammates. And Embiid’s reaction is nothing short of heart-meltingly sweet.
Harden Gives Embiid A Rolex
“My first Rolex.” – @JoelEmbiid
courtesy of @JHarden13
pic.twitter.com/Yljsi9F2rP
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 3, 2023
The Sixers posted the moment that James Harden surprised Embiid with the gift on social media. The gift in question is a rose-gold Rolex. Embiid can’t believe it as he opens the box in front of assorted media. “Oooooo, my first Rolex, ” Embiid can be heard while struggling to find his words, “I’ve never had a Rolex”. Harden then takes the watch and turns it over to reveal that “23 MVP” has been engraved on the back of the watch’s face.
After embracing Harden, Embiid then struggles to put the watch on. As he attempts to simply shove it over his fist, he asks the associated individuals, “how do you wear watches?” Finally he gives up, declaring it to be too small for his wrist. I don’t know if Rolexes have clasps but no one attempts to unclasp the watch at any point in the video. This is understandable as later in the video, Embiid reveals that this is not just his first Rolex, this is his first watch ever. Sure, the Sixers would go on to get blown out in their game later that day. But this video is just adorable. It just goes to show the level of team spirit that the Sixers embody.
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