As we all know, last week, Joel Embiid was the center of the basketball world as he was finally awarded his first career NBA MVP award.
It was an award that had evaded him the past few years after coming so close, and one that he admittedly wanted to achieve in his career.
It was the second MVP season I have had the pleasure to watch as the public address announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers, with the other being Allen Iverson’s 2001 season.
And both of those seasons were filled with unforgettable moments.
I was so happy for Embiid when the news broke last Tuesday night that he won the league’s most valuable player.
As soon as I heard the news, my thoughts went directly to Game 3, the first home game of the series against the Boston Celtics, where they would present Embiid with the trophy in front of a sold-out Wells Fargo Center crowd.
When I got to the building that night, you could tell the atmosphere was a little different than normal as everyone was anxiously awaiting the trophy presentation.
It was actually the first live MVP event that the NBA hosted on the court in the playoffs since 2016, so I got to host it live on ESPN prior to tip-off.
It was surreal!
It was also the first time the newly unveiled Michael Jordan Trophy was presented to the MVP winner as the league introduced the trophy this season.
The presentation was pretty emotional for all involved, including the Big Fella who was moved to tears when his son, Arthur, ran onto the floor.
It was a night he will remember for sure as will all who were in attendance!
Luckily, for all of you that weren’t, I got some behind-the-scenes pictures and videos of the rehearsals and pregame for you to enjoy!
Pregame From My Seat
Game 3 Shirts
My MVP Script
MVP Script Part 2
MVP Presentation Rehearsals
Rehearsals Part 2
NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver in the House
Script for Jason Kelce as the Pregame Bell Ringer
