Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid shed tears in an emotional ceremony before Friday night’s home playoff game against the Boston Celtics.
Chances are, many others in the packed Wells Fargo Arena and watching at home cried right along with him.
The NBA and 76ers held the ceremony to present Embiid his NBA MVP Award, his first after consecutive runner-up finishes to Nikola Jokić. Embiid stood at center court making his speech, and everything seemed perfectly fine until his 2-year-old son, Arthur, ran out to stand with his father.
Embiid picked up his son, the crowd went wild, and the star had to pause to wipe tears from his eyes.
Gathering himself, Embiid continued his speech, thanking fans.
“We went through a lot all these years,” Embiid said. “We’re going to need you guys, all your support for the rest of these playoffs. We’ve got a long way to go.
“So thank you guys, keep supporting us. Let’s get it started!”
Joel Embiid gets emotional as his son joins him during his NBA MVP speech. 🏀🏆 pic.twitter.com/RprZMXKhGC
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 5, 2023
NBA fans loved the emotional moment.
21 got me crying man. What a guy who’s grown up in this city. So proud. Anyone who hates on this man is just a sad human. One of the most beautiful moments in NBA history. Grown man crying as his son runs into his arms getting the MVP and you got haters. Weirdos in the world.
— Alec Fallon (@AlecFall0n) May 5, 2023
His son running out to him will be an NBA moment forever bro.. That was adorable and he broke
— Broja Dawg (@BrojaDawg) May 6, 2023
didn’t expect to cry tonight but here I am
— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) May 5, 2023
Maybe it’s the dad in me but I lost it at that moment! 😭
— Proph (@TeamMikeyP) May 5, 2023
Happy for you bro, hope you and your family get to fully embrace the moment. NBA family is all love
— Sidelines – Denver Nuggets (@SSN_Nuggets) May 5, 2023
[ESPN; Photo Credit: ESPN]
