Would a Ring Make the 2023 NBA MVP the Greatest Big in Sixers History?
Joel Embiid is entering his tenth season in the NBA, looking to take his best foot forward for the 2025-26 season. Last season, Embiid only appeared in 19 games and even had surgery on his knee. Now, with a healthy Embiid coming to lead his squad to the elusive Larry O’Brien Trophy. Let’s take a look at the 2023 MVP chances of becoming the greatest big in franchise history.
First, we have Wilt Chamberlain leading the trio as, arguably, the greatest big man in franchise history, as well as in league history. Wilt played less than four seasons with the franchise, but made the most of it. He secured three consecutive MVP awards, joining two Boston legends, Bill Russell and Larry Bird, as the only trio to do so. His three All-Star nods, a scoring title, three rebounding titles, and three All-NBA First team selections were a given for a player of his caliber. Chamberlain even messed around and totaled 62 triple-doubles, and won his first championship, as well as Finals MVP, in 1967.
Second, we have Moses Malone, trailing right behind Chamberlain. Now, Big Mo played four seasons with the franchise and was just as impressive. His first year in Philly, the 1982-83 season, started with him securing an MVP, a ring over the Showtime Lakers in a sweep, and a Finals MVP. To go along with that, he brought in four All-Star selections, an All-Defensive First team spot, an All-NBA First and Second team, and three rebounding titles. It helps his case that he has the third most offensive rebounds in franchise history.
Finally, we have Embiid, trailing behind the two Hall-of-Famers. Now there should be no question that the 2023 MVP has been one of the most dominant bigs of our era. Right there with Nikola Jokic. Taking a look at the Process resume, he has seven All-Star selections, four All-NBA Second team selections, an All-NBA First team selection, three All-Defensive Second team nods, and back-to-back scoring titles. He also won, a controversial call in fans' eyes, the 2023 MVP award.
With all of this in mind, a ring could push Embiid past Malone as the second greatest big man in Sixers history. He has more all-star nods, more all-defensive team selections, and more all-NBA team selections. Aside from the rebounding titles, a ring, and finals MVP, Embiid can and will be the second greatest big man in franchise history. Even number one, if there wasn’t a cheat code player called Wilt Chamberlain in the way.
