NBA ALL-STAR MEDIA DAY

February 19, 2022

Joel Embiid

Media Day Press Conference

Q. What is this experience like for you? I saw you with Arthur, your family, laughing and joking with all the guys. What is this experience like for you to have your family here with you?

JOEL EMBIID: It's a blessing. Always coming in here. Can't ever take it for granted, so I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible, and, obviously, having my family here and Arthur being part of it is huge for me because they're really the reason why I'm here, and I'm doing so well, so I'm excited and it's special for me.

Q. I know we talked about it a little bit before, but just the joy I saw on your face, you know, of talking to people. Did you take it more for granted last year when you weren't able to come here and, hey, I really missed out on this?

JOEL EMBIID: Yeah, I was pissed off. I really wanted to be here. I live for this moment. You don't know how long you're going to be doing this for. I've got about 10 to 13 years that I can do this for at a high level, so I just want to enjoy it as much as possible. And a reason to really have a kid this early in my life was for him to also experience that.

So, yeah, last year it was unfortunate, but I'm glad to be here this year.

Q. What do you think about being the MVP of this season so far?

JOEL EMBIID: Well, I don't really want to push for the whole thing, but the way I've been playing speaks for itself, especially with everything we went through, the drama this whole year, and obviously missing a big piece, and everything we added to our team and the way our team is set up. So really had to take my game to another level, whether it's offensively, defensively or play-making, and obviously I've got great teammates that give their all, and that's helping a lot.

But it always goes back to winning. I know that for us to win I've got to be dominant. As long as we win, I'll be at that level and I'll have a chance to win it all and win the MVP, but to answer your question, the play speaks for itself. Every single night that's what I've been doing offensively and defensively, and I don't think I'm going to stop that.