No player was involved in more events over All-Star Weekend than Joel Embiid. The Sixers’ budding superstar was voted into the All-Star Game as a starter, participated in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge and the Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars game, meaning he was on the court at Staples Center for all three nights of events.
It’s a bit ironic that Embiid, a player whose young career has been defined partially by injuries and minutes restrictions, would find himself in all three events, but the man loves to put on a show for the fans. Embiid was, unsurprisingly, used sparingly in the Rising Stars game, but after being unable to compete in the game last year he wanted to be sure to be there even though he has already emerged as an elite, All-Star level talent.
On Thursday night, prior to his weekend kicking into high gear, Embiid spoke with Dime Magazine (via Mtn Dew Kickstart) about what it means to him to be an All-Star, taking pride in becoming a versatile offensive threat, playing with Steph Curry, the Sixers’ young trio of stars, texting with Sam Hinkie, video games and dumpling classes.
How validating was it being voted an All-Star starter in what’s really been your first full season in the league, considering everything you’ve been through the past three years?
It’s really special to me. As you say, I missed two years and then I lost my brother. So, it was hard. So, being an All-Star, especially as a starter, it just validates everything I’ve been working on. My game, my everything else — social skills — everything else and I’m happy and excited about this weekend.
What are you most proud of with your basketball development and that you feel you’ve improved the most to become this All-Star level player?
I think everything. I’m comfortable. I feel like I can do everything on the court. I feel like I’m the best defensive player in the league. I’m one of the most powerful offensive players in the league, which coming out of Kansas I don’t think anyone thought I’d be able to have the offensive presence I have as far as shooting the ball, putting it on the floor, passing, being a playmaker and of course low-post scorer. Just going all over the place. So, I would say my offensive game. I think I’ve gotten so much better and worked on everything.
What player are you most excited to play with on Team Steph?
I’d say Steph Curry. Just because he’s one of the most fun players to watch in the league. I mean, when he and Klay get hot he’s just amazing. He’s amazing to see. He just makes shot after shot and it just seems like they can’t miss. Even when they miss you like, that should’ve gone in. So, I’m really excited. I think Steph is the guy I’m most excited to play with.
You also had the Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars game on Friday. How were you preparing for double duty over the weekend?
I’m excited about both. I’m excited about being on the Rising Stars team with my teammates. I think that’s a good opportunity. Being in the All-Star and being in the Rising Stars is kind of, it’s hard to get that opportunity and I’m excited about both. I love putting on a show, so I hope to put on a show during the two events on Friday and Sunday.
Like you said, you get to play with two of your teammates in Dario Saric and Ben Simmons in the Rising Stars game. What does it say about where the Sixers are and what does it say about the Process that you have three players in the game this year?
I wouldn’t say the Process is finished yet. The Process is going to be there until we win a championship, but I’d say it shows the Process is working. It started with Sam Hinkie and then it’s being continued by the guys and Coach Brown, who’s been there the whole time. The Process has been about a culture and bringing in great players with a lot more to come still. Markelle’s going to be a great one. And it’s not about just playing basketball. These are great guys. The locker room is amazing. The guys in the locker room are amazing and that’s what you have to care most about.
You mention Sam Hinkie starting the Process. Do you still have conversations with him and what kind of advice has he given you over your career?
I mean, yeah I talk to him quite a bit. Sometimes we text and sometimes he texts me after watching a game about what I should do good and what I shouldn’t. But we still have quite a good relationship. You know he was the guy that drafted me and I feel like he lost his job because of me, so I have a lot to make up for. But I’m grateful for him and this opportunity.
What’s one thing you absolutely have to bring on the road that’s not clothes or basic necessities?
PlayStation. My PlayStation goes with me everywhere. That’s all I do. I just play video games like all the time. Other than that, I don’t know. I don’t think there’s anything else. Video games are the most important thing.
What are your favorite games in your rotation right now?
FIFA. NBA 2K. Madden. I play a lot of FIFA and NBA 2K.
Lastly, how good of a cook are you? How would you rate your cooking skills?
Well, I just came back from making dumplings. Chinese dumplings. And I was pretty good at it. There were a few other stuff I know how to cook, so I’d say my skills are pretty great.
Who did you learn to cook from?
Just watching. I’m observe a lot. I listen a lot, and I pick up stuff really fast. So, just observing people around me. My mom, the team chef. Just observing them and then I just copy.
If you had to make one dish for someone coming over to your house, what would be your go-to dish that you would make?
I don’t know. I think I would go simple. I don’t really want to waste time on doing stuff that’s not playing video games, so I would just say omelettes.
