Sixers teammates, Philly sports legends react to Embiid winning MVP
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Joel Embiid is finally the NBA MVP. After finishing as the runner-up in back-to-back seasons, Embiid was named the association's Most Valuable Player on Tuesday night.
Some more good news: Embiid is expected to return from injury and play in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics tonight, a source tells CBS News Philadelphia's Pat Gallen.
Embiid is the first 76er to win the award since Allen Iverson in 2001.
The Sixers' superstar center took to social media, saying he "spoke it into existence" back in 2014.
Embiid's tweet came after the Sixers released a video showing the moment the big fella won the MVP.
Here are what some of his Sixers teammates, NBA legends and notable Philadelphians are saying.
Sixers point guard James Harden tweeted, "long overdue, well deserved... #Uno"
long overdue, well deserved… #Uno pic.twitter.com/UM4QzmVSVQ
— James Harden (@JHarden13) May 3, 2023
Sixers power forward P.J. Tucker posted congratulations on Instagram.
Tucker wrote, in part, "The day i signed to the Sixers we talked about finally getting to play together and the goals we wanted to achieve. I told you i was gonna do whatever you needed to win mvp and win the world championship.. here's to achieving one and loading on the other"
Sixers shooting guard Furkan Korkmaz tweeted, "Finally."
Finally! M V P 🏆 https://t.co/sEQp7qjYtV
— Furkan Korkmaz (@FurkanKorkmaz) May 2, 2023
The master plan of The Process Sam Hinkie tweeted "Dreams dreams."
Dream dreams. pic.twitter.com/fNMbxWaIuW
— Sam Hinkie (@samhinkie) May 3, 2023
Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey tweeted, in part, "Joel's season was legendary and the MVP award is the latest milestone of his decorated career."
I have always believed that greatness emerges when talent meets relentless dedication. Joel’s season was legendary and the MVP award is the latest milestone of his decorated career. It has been a privilege to watch Joel over the last three seasons & I know this won’t be his last… pic.twitter.com/ihnalMVMKy
— Daryl MorΞy 🗽🏀 (@dmorey) May 2, 2023
Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown tweeted a congrats to Embiid.
Congrats @JoelEmbiid . Finish the job 💪🏾
— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) May 3, 2023
Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins also went to Twitter after Embiid won the award.
Congratulations to @JoelEmbiid on being named the @NBA 2022-2023 Most Valuable Player!! Well deserved!! @sixers now go get that chip #trusttheprocess
— JIMMY ROLLINS (@JimmyRollins11) May 2, 2023
NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson tweeted, "Congratulations to Joel Embiid for being named the NBA's Most Valuable Player!! Well deserved and earned!"
Congratulations to Joel Embiid for being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player!! Well deserved and earned! @JoelEmbiid 👏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 3, 2023