Career Timeline of Joel Embiid: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Joel Embiid built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Joel Embiid is a Cameroonian and American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Drafted third overall in 2014 after playing for Kansas, the 7-foot center is a seven-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team member, and three-time All-Defensive Team member. He is a two-time NBA scoring champion and was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2023. Embiid also secured a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team in 2024.
1954: Embiid became the fifth player in NBA history to score at least 40 points and grab 20 rebounds while shooting 80 percent or better from the field
On April 9, 2022, Joel Embiid had 41 points, a season-high 20 rebounds, four assists and two steals on 14-of-17 shooting from the field in a 133–120 win over the Indiana Pacers. Since the introduction of shot clock in 1954–55, Embiid became the fifth player in NBA history to score at least 40 points and grab 20 rebounds while shooting 80 percent or better from the field.
1954: Embiid became the first player in the shot clock era to have 45 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while being on the court less than 31 minutes
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid posted 48 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in a victory over the Washington Wizards. Additionally, he became the first player in the shot clock era (since 1954–55 season) to have 45 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while being on the court less than 31 minutes.
1965: Embiid joined Wilt Chamberlain as a player with multiple 50-point games in the same season
On December 11, 2022, Joel Embiid had 53 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 131–113 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He became the third player in 76ers franchise history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season, joining Allen Iverson (2000–01 and 2004–05) and Wilt Chamberlain (1965–66 and 1967–68).
1967: Embiid joined Wilt Chamberlain as a player with multiple 50-point games in the same season
On December 11, 2022, Joel Embiid had 53 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 131–113 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He became the third player in 76ers franchise history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season, joining Allen Iverson (2000–01 and 2004–05) and Wilt Chamberlain (1965–66 and 1967–68).
1967: Embiid broke the Sixers franchise record for most points in a game previously set by Wilt Chamberlain
On January 22, 2024, Joel Embiid scored 70 points along with 18 rebounds and five assists in a 133–123 win over the San Antonio Spurs, breaking the Sixers franchise record for most points in a game previously set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1967. With the performance, Embiid also became the ninth player in NBA history to score 70 or more points in a game, and the third center to reach the mark, joining Chamberlain and David Robinson. He also became the first player in NBA history to score at least 70 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in a game.
1968: Embiid became the first Sixers player with a 40-point triple-double since Wilt Chamberlain
On February 12, 2022, Joel Embiid logged his fourth career triple-double with 40 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals in a 103–93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He became the first Sixers player with a 40-point triple-double since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968.
1971: Embiid recorded his 12th straight game with 30 or more points and 10-plus rebounds, it is the NBA's longest such streak since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
On December 20, 2023, Joel Embiid scored a season-high 51 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a 127–113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He also recorded his 12th straight game with 30 or more points and 10-plus rebounds. It is the NBA's longest such streak since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it in 16 straight games for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1971–72 season.
1973: Embiid became the first player in NBA history with 50 points, 10 boards, five assists and five blocks in a game since blocks became an official stat
On November 13, 2022, Joel Embiid scored a career-high 59 points along with 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven blocks in a 105–98 victory over the Utah Jazz. He became the first player in NBA history with 50 points, 10 boards, five assists and five blocks in a game since blocks became an official stat in the 1973–74 season.
March 1975: Embiid became the third player in NBA history to record at least 47 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocked shots.
On January 28, 2023, Embiid recorded 47 points, a season-high 18 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in a 126–119 win over the Denver Nuggets. He became the second player in 76ers franchise history to produce at least four games of 45-plus points, 15-plus rebounds and five-plus assists, joining Wilt Chamberlain. Embiid also became just the third player in NBA history to record at least 47 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocked shots. He joined Hall of Famers Chris Webber (January 5, 2001) and Bob McAdoo (March 18, 1975) with such games.
1982: Embiid became the first center to average over 30 points per game since Moses Malone
At the end of the regular season, Embiid was named the NBA scoring champion, averaging 30.6 points per game, becoming the first center to average over 30 points per game since Moses Malone in 1982.
1997: Embiid joined LeBron James and Klay Thompson as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid posted 48 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in a victory over the Washington Wizards. He scored 29 points on 10–10 shooting in the 3rd quarter, joining LeBron James (January 4, 2008) and Klay Thompson (January 23, 2015) as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
2000: Embiid became the first center to be named NBA scoring champion since Shaquille O'Neal
At the end of the regular season, Embiid was named the NBA scoring champion, averaging 30.6 points per game, becoming the first center to do so since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.
2000: Embiid joined Allen Iverson as a player with multiple 50-point games in the same season
On December 11, 2022, Joel Embiid had 53 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 131–113 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He became the third player in 76ers franchise history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season, joining Allen Iverson (2000–01 and 2004–05) and Wilt Chamberlain (1965–66 and 1967–68).
January 2001: Embiid became the second player in 76ers franchise history to produce at least four games of 45-plus points, 15-plus rebounds and five-plus assists, joining Wilt Chamberlain.
On January 28, 2023, Embiid recorded 47 points, a season-high 18 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in a 126–119 win over the Denver Nuggets. He became the second player in 76ers franchise history to produce at least four games of 45-plus points, 15-plus rebounds and five-plus assists, joining Wilt Chamberlain. Embiid also became just the third player in NBA history to record at least 47 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocked shots. He joined Hall of Famers Chris Webber (January 5, 2001) and Bob McAdoo (March 18, 1975) with such games.
2004: Embiid joined Allen Iverson as a player with multiple 50-point games in the same season
On December 11, 2022, Joel Embiid had 53 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 131–113 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He became the third player in 76ers franchise history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season, joining Allen Iverson (2000–01 and 2004–05) and Wilt Chamberlain (1965–66 and 1967–68).
2005: Embiid became the first Sixer to lead the league in scoring since Allen Iverson
At the end of the regular season, Embiid was named the NBA scoring champion, averaging 30.6 points per game, also the first Sixer to lead the league in scoring since Allen Iverson won the title for the fourth and final time in 2005.
2006: Most Points By A Sixers Player
On 15 November 2017, Embiid scored a then-career high 46 points—the most by a Philadelphia player in 11 years—the most points by a Sixers player since Allen Iverson scored 46 against the Chicago Bulls in 2006.
January 2008: Embiid joined LeBron James as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid posted 48 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in a victory over the Washington Wizards. He scored 29 points on 10–10 shooting in the 3rd quarter, joining LeBron James (January 4, 2008) and Klay Thompson (January 23, 2015) as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
November 2012: Committed to Kansas
In November 2012, Joel Embiid, a five-star recruit, committed to the University of Kansas.
2013: Played At Kansas
In the 2013-14 season, Joel Embiid played 28 games for the University of Kansas, averaging 11.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
April 2014: Declared for NBA Draft
On 9 April 2014, Joel Embiid declared for the 2014 NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.
June 2014: Underwent Surgery and Drafted by 76ers
In June 2014, Joel Embiid underwent surgery on a broken navicular bone in his right foot and was subsequently drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.
August 2014: Signed Rookie Contract
On 26 August 2014, Joel Embiid signed his rookie scale contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was also ruled unlikely to play at all in the 2014–15 season.
2014: Drafted into NBA
In 2014, Joel Embiid was drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA after playing college basketball with the Kansas Jayhawks.
January 2015: Embiid joined Klay Thompson as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid posted 48 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in a victory over the Washington Wizards. He scored 29 points on 10–10 shooting in the 3rd quarter, joining LeBron James (January 4, 2008) and Klay Thompson (January 23, 2015) as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
October 2016: Preseason Debut
On 4 October 2016, Joel Embiid started at center in the 76ers' first preseason game against the Boston Celtics. He recorded six points, four rebounds and two blocks. On 26 October 2016, Embiid made his NBA regular-season debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder, recording 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
January 2017: Career High Rebounds and Player of the Week
In January 2017, Joel Embiid grabbed a then-career high 14 rebounds. He was also named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played between January 16 and January 22. He was named in the World Team for the 2017 Rising Stars Challenge.
October 2017: Contract Extension
On 10 October 2017, Joel Embiid signed a five-year, $148 million contract extension with the 76ers. On 18 October 2017, Embiid scored 18 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to the Washington Wizards.
October 2018: 30 Points and 19 Rebounds
On 24 October 2018, Joel Embiid had 30 points and 19 rebounds becoming the franchise's first player to reach those marks in the same game since Charles Barkley did so in November 1991. On 27 October 2018, Embiid registered a double-double in all six games to start the season.
February 2020: Season-High Points
On 20 February 2020, Joel Embiid scored a then season-high 39 points. Four days later, Embiid scored a then-career high 49 points.
February 2021: Career-High Points
On 20 February 2021, Joel Embiid recorded a double-double with a then-career-high 50 points and 17 rebounds in the 76ers' 112–105 win against the Chicago Bulls.
March 2021: Donation to Fight Homelessness
In March 2021, Embiid donated $100,000, his 2021 NBA All-Star Game winnings, to fight homelessness in Philadelphia.
August 2021: Embiid signed a four-year extension with the 76ers
In August 2021, Joel Embiid signed a four-year, $196 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers.
2021: NBA Scoring Champion
During the 2021–22 season, Joel Embiid led the NBA in scoring.
January 2022: Embiid matched his then-career high of 50 points against the Orlando Magic
On January 19, 2022, Joel Embiid scored 50 points against the Orlando Magic. At the end of the regular season, Embiid was named the NBA scoring champion.
November 2022: Embiid scored a career-high 59 points against the Utah Jazz
On November 13, 2022, Joel Embiid scored a career-high 59 points along with 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven blocks in a 105–98 victory over the Utah Jazz. He also top 101 total points in less than 24 hours, following up a 42-point, 10-rebound and six-assist performance on November 12.
2022: NBA Scoring Champion
During the 2022-23 season, Joel Embiid led the NBA in scoring.
November 2023: Embiid passes Wilt Chamberlain for most 45-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist games in Sixers history
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid posted 48 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in a victory over the Washington Wizards. He scored 29 points on 10-10 shooting in the 3rd quarter and also recorded his sixth 45-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist game, passing Wilt Chamberlain for most in Sixers history. Additionally, he became the first player in the shot clock era to have 45 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while being on the court less than 31 minutes.
2023: Founded Miniature Géant
In 2023, Joel Embiid founded Miniature Géant, a production studio focused on African storytelling, in partnership with Lebron James's SpringHill Company.
January 2024: Embiid recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists through playing only the first three quarters
On January 2, 2024, Joel Embiid recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists through playing only the first three quarters in a 110–97 win over the Chicago Bulls. He became the first player in NBA history to put up at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a game without playing in the fourth quarter.
April 2024: Embiid posted a playoff career-high 50 points and was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy
On April 25, 2024, Joel Embiid posted a playoff career-high 50 points in a victory against the New York Knicks. He stated that he had been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy.
September 19, 2024: Embiid signed a three-year extension with the 76ers
On September 19, 2024, Joel Embiid signed a three-year, $193 million extension with the 76ers, which would keep him under contract through the 2028–29 season.
2024: Committed to play for the U.S. Olympic team
In 2024, Embiid committed to play for the U.S. Olympic team in Paris, motivated by his desire to win a gold medal for his son.
2024: Signed Sneaker Deal with Skechers
In 2024, Embiid officially announced he had made a sneaker deal with Skechers.
2024: Miniature Géant Announced New Projects
In 2024, Miniature Géant announced two projects: a documentary about Memphis Depay and "Backline", a narrative feature about African athletes breaking into professional American football.
February 4, 2025: Embiid recorded his eighth career triple-double
On February 4, 2025, Joel Embiid returned after a left knee injury sidelined him the previous 15 games. He recorded his eighth career triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over the Dallas Mavericks.
December 12, 2025: Embiid scored a then season-high 39 points
On December 12, 2025, Joel Embiid scored a then season-high 39 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 115–105 win over the Indiana Pacers.
2025: Filming Begins for Backline
In 2025, production began for "Backline" by Miniature Géant, filming split between Nigeria and the United States.
2028: Future consideration to play for Cameroon
In 2028, Embiid might play for Cameroon, subject to permissions from FIBA and the United States men's national basketball team.
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