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, a Cameroonian and American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers, is a dominant force in the NBA. Drafted third overall in 2014, the 7-foot center has become a seven-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team member, and three-time All-Defensive Team selection. He's also a two-time NBA scoring champion and was crowned the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2023. Further solidifying his status, Embiid earned a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team in 2024.
1954: Fifth Player in NBA history to score at least 40 points and grab 20 rebounds while shooting 80 percent or better since the introduction of shot clock in 1954–55
On April 9, 2022, Joel 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, since the introduction of shot clock in 1954–55.
1954: 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 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: Joins Wilt Chamberlain as player in 76ers franchise history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season
On December 11, 2022, Joel Embiid 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: Joins Wilt Chamberlain as player in 76ers franchise history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season
On December 11, 2022, Joel Embiid 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 breaks Sixers franchise record for most points in a game previously set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1967
On January 22, 2024, Joel Embiid scored 70 points in a win against the San Antonio Spurs, breaking the Sixers franchise record for most points in a game, which was previously set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1967.
1968: First Sixers player with 40-point triple-double since Wilt Chamberlain
On February 12, 2022, Joel Embiid became the first Sixers player with a 40-point triple-double since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968.
1971: Embiid records his 12th straight game with 30 or more points and 10-plus rebounds.
On December 20, 2023, Joel 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 did it in 16 straight games for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1971–72 season.
1973: First player with 50 points, 10 boards, five assists and five blocks in a game since blocks became an official stat in the 1973–74 season
On November 13, 2022, Joel 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 in the 1973–74 season.
March 1975: Becomes 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, Joel 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. He also joined Hall of Famers Chris Webber (5 January 2001) and Bob McAdoo (18 March 1975) with such games.
1981: Embiid joins James Harden as the first pair of teammates to lead the NBA in scoring and assists in a season since George Gervin and Johnny Moore did so in the 1981–82 season
On April 9, 2023, Joel Embiid joined James Harden as the first pair of teammates to lead the NBA in scoring and assists in a season since George Gervin and Johnny Moore did so in the 1981–82 season.
1982: First center to average over 30 points per game since Moses Malone in 1982
At the end of the 2022 regular season, Joel Embiid became the first center to average over 30 points per game since Moses Malone in 1982.
1997: Embiid joins LeBron James and Klay Thompson as only player since 1997-98 to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid joined LeBron James (10–10, 4 January 2008) and Klay Thompson (13–13, 23 January 2015) as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
2000: First center named NBA scoring champion since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000
At the end of the 2022 regular season, Joel Embiid was named the NBA scoring champion, becoming the first center to do so since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.
2000: Joins Allen Iverson as player in 76ers franchise history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season
On December 11, 2022, Joel Embiid 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: Becomes 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, Joel 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. He also joined Hall of Famers Chris Webber (5 January 2001) and Bob McAdoo (18 March 1975) with such games.
2004: Joins Allen Iverson as player in 76ers franchise history to have multiple 50-point games in the same season
On December 11, 2022, Joel Embiid 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: First Sixer to lead the league in scoring since Allen Iverson in 2005
At the end of the 2022 regular season, Joel Embiid became the first Sixer to lead the league in scoring since Allen Iverson won the title for the fourth and final time in 2005.
January 2008: Embiid joins LeBron James as only player since 1997-98 to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid joined LeBron James (10–10, 4 January 2008) and Klay Thompson (13–13, 23 January 2015) as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
2009: Named All-Star Starter and Eastern Conference Player of the Week
In January 2018, Joel Embiid was named a starter for the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Philadelphia player selected as an All-Star starter since Allen Iverson in 2009-10. He was also named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played between January 15 and January 21.
November 2012: Committed to Kansas
In November 2012, Joel Embiid, a five-star recruit, committed to playing basketball at the University of Kansas.
2013: First Sixers All-Star
In January 2018, Joel Embiid was named a starter for the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Sixers All-Star since Jrue Holiday in 2013.
April 2014: Declared for the NBA draft
On 9 April 2014, Joel Embiid declared for the 2014 NBA draft, foregoing his final three years of college eligibility.
June 2014: Underwent foot surgery and drafted by 76ers
On 20 June 2014, Joel Embiid underwent surgery on a broken navicular bone in his right foot. Six days later, he was selected with the third overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft.
August 2014: Signed rookie contract with 76ers
On 26 August 2014, Joel Embiid signed his rookie scale contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was later ruled unlikely to play in the 2014-15 season due to the broken navicular bone in his foot.
2014: Drafted by the 76ers
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 joins Klay Thompson as only player since 1997-98 to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid joined LeBron James (10–10, 4 January 2008) and Klay Thompson (13–13, 23 January 2015) as the only players since 1997–98 season to shoot 10-for-10 or better in a quarter.
October 2016: NBA Preseason and Regular Season Debut
In October 2016, Joel Embiid started at center for the 76ers' first preseason game. On October 26, 2016, he made his NBA regular-season debut, recording 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
2016: NBA Debut
Due to foot and knee injuries, Joel Embiid's NBA debut was delayed until the 2016-17 season, where he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team after playing only 31 games.
January 2017: Eastern Conference Player of the Week and Rising Stars Challenge
In January 2017, Joel Embiid achieved several milestones including grabbing a career-high 14 rebounds, being named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for January 16-22, and being named to the World Team for the 2017 Rising Stars Challenge.
February 2017: Embiid named to preliminary Cameroon team for 2017 FIBA AfroBasket
In February 2017, Joel Embiid was named to the preliminary Cameroon team to compete in the 2017 FIBA AfroBasket.
October 2017: Signed contract extension with 76ers
On 10 October 2017, Joel Embiid signed a five-year, $148 million contract extension with the 76ers. He had 18 points and 13 rebounds in the season opener against the Washington Wizards on October 18.
2018: Named All-Star Starter and Eastern Conference Player of the Week
In January 2018, Joel Embiid was named a starter for the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Philadelphia player selected as an All-Star starter since Allen Iverson in 2009-10. He was also named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played between January 15 and January 21.
February 2020: Season-High and Career-High Point Games
In February 2020, Joel Embiid had a season-high 39 points against the Brooklyn Nets on February 20, and then a career-high 49 points against the Atlanta Hawks on February 24.
February 2021: Career-High Scoring Game
On 20 February 2021, Joel Embiid recorded a double-double with a then-career-high 50 points and 17 rebounds in the 76ers' win against the Chicago Bulls.
March 2021: Donation to Fight Homelessness
In March 2021, Joel Embiid donated $100,000 of his 2021 NBA All-Star Game winnings to combat homelessness in Philadelphia.
August 2021: Embiid signs four-year extension with 76ers
In August 2021, Joel Embiid signed a four-year, $196 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers.
2021: Led NBA in Scoring
In the 2021–22 and 2022-23 seasons, Joel Embiid led the NBA in scoring.
January 2022: Embiid Matches Career High
On January 19, 2022, Joel Embiid matched his then-career high of 50 points in a win over the Orlando Magic.
November 2022: Embiid Scores Career High
On November 13, 2022, Joel Embiid scored a career-high 59 points in a victory over the Utah Jazz.
2022: Expiration of Under Armour Deal
In 2022, Joel Embiid's five-year sneaker sponsorship deal with Under Armour expired.
2022: Led NBA in Scoring
In the 2021–22 and 2022-23 seasons, Joel Embiid led the NBA in scoring.
November 2023: Embiid records sixth 45-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist game
On November 6, 2023, Joel Embiid recorded his sixth 45-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist game, passing Wilt Chamberlain for most in Sixers history.
2023: Founded Miniature Géant Production Studio
In 2023, Joel Embiid partnered with Lebron James's SpringHill Company to found Miniature Géant, a production studio focusing on African storytelling.
2023: Named NBA MVP
In 2023, Joel Embiid was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
January 2024: Becomes 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
On January 2, 2024, Joel Embiid 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 during a win over the Chicago Bulls.
April 2024: Embiid puts up a playoff career-high 50 points and discloses diagnosis with Bell's Palsy
On April 25, 2024, Joel Embiid scored a playoff career-high 50 points in Game 3 of the first round against the New York Knicks. In the press conference after the game, he revealed he had been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy and had been dealing with migraines and blurred vision.
September 19, 2024: Embiid signs a three-year extension with 76ers
On September 19, 2024, Joel Embiid signed a three-year, $193 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, which will keep him under contract through the 2028-29 season.
2024: Commitment to US Olympic Team
In 2024, Joel Embiid committed to play for the U.S. Olympic team in Paris, motivated by the desire to win a gold medal for his son.
2024: Skechers Sneaker Deal
In 2024, Joel Embiid officially announced a new sneaker deal with Skechers.
2024: Won Gold Medal at Olympics
In 2024, Joel Embiid won a gold medal on the U.S. Olympic team.
2024: Miniature Géant Projects Announced
In 2024, Miniature Géant announced two projects: a documentary about Memphis Depay and Backline, a film about African athletes in American football.
2024: Embiid to miss remainder of season due to knee issues
On February 28, 2025, the 76ers announced that Joel Embiid would miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to ongoing issues with his left knee.
February 4, 2025: Embiid Returns from Knee Injury and Records Triple-Double
On February 4, 2025, Joel Embiid returned after missing 15 games due to a left knee injury. He recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Dallas Mavericks.
December 12, 2025: Embiid Scores Season-High 39 Points in Win Over Pacers
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: Production Start for Backline
In 2025, production of Backline, a film by Miniature Géant about African athletes in American football, is set to begin, filming in Nigeria and the United States.
January 22, 2026: Embiid Records Triple-Double in Overtime Win Over Rockets
On January 22, 2026, Joel Embiid recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a 128–122 overtime win over the Houston Rockets.
2028: Potential to play for Cameroon
In 2028, Joel Embiid might play for Cameroon, requiring permission from FIBA and the United States men's national basketball team.
2028: Embiid to be under contract through 2028-29 season
On September 19, 2024, Joel Embiid signed a three-year, $193 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, which will keep him under contract through the 2028-29 season.
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