Philadelphia Magazine

Last week I ordered a Joel Embiid jersey from a Chinese website named Aliexpress and, if you’re a sports fan who likes wearing jerseys and you haven’t ordered from Aliexpress, you’re wrong. While an Embiid jersey will adorn my back in 12–20 days, he has overtaken the NBA this season on and off the court. Embiid is averaging only 25.3 minutes per game due to his foot injuries that kept him from playing the last two years. He makes the most of those 25.3 minutes while averaging 19.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks to a highlight of a so far rookie year campaign. While his numbers are eye popping, the most incredible part of Joel Embiid is his social media presence.

24 weeks ago he posted a video on Instagram, and took the NBA world by storm.

Video via YouTube

Look at the giant, majestic beast throw down an in between the legs monster jam. I’m 5'8" and I can’t do that on an eight foot goal, this guy is 7'2" and has infinitely more athleticism than me. I could be the trainer that was guarding him. I’m roughly that tall and I’m not great at defense, I should’ve been Embiid’s trainer for this video.

Embiid’s athleticism isn’t the only thing people pay attention to. His social media presence has been a roller coaster full of laughs thus far in his 2016–2017 season. From comments on Instagram and trolling on Twitter, this man’s thumbs type all the right things. All of this probably will catch up to him in the long run, but as the ride is just starting, let’s enjoy some of his best interactions on the interwebs.

Why don’t we start with his Twitter Avi?

Image via Twitter

T.J. McConnell made a buzzer beating jump shot against the Knicks and my heart may have fallen out of my chest, but Embiid picked up my sadness and made it into happiness once again with this beautiful comparison to Michael Jordan. McConnell or Jordan? I can’t tell the difference. 7.3/10. Great social media use.

2. Trolling Chandler Parsons on Instagram.

Image via Instagram

While you don’t see a Joel Embiid comment on this image, his comment on this post was quite hilarious.

Image via Instagram

Embiid wondering if Parsons was able to fornicate with the woman in Dallas, his hilarity ensued about a month later on Parsons’ Instagram live stream.

Image via Twitter

Embiid’s use of social media this go around, 8.6/10. Would recommend following Joel Embiid.

3. Virgin jokes are not exclusive to Chandler Parsons.

Image via Twitter

Teammates are usually easy targets for trolling, and Ben Simmons is not exempt. Teammate trolling 8.7/10.

4. Trolling opposing centers, while helping them?

Image via Twitter

There’s been a lot of turmoil surrounding the NBA All-Star voting process, and fans are still able to support, but now the players and media are able to vote. Embiid was left off the starting lineup, but should end up making the Eastern Conference All-Star team. The Heat’s Hassan Whiteside may not enjoy the voting process, but Embiid flourished with the social media aspect of voting. Trolling and helping other centers? 9.1/10 sharing is caring.

5. Self promoting.

Image via Twitter

This one is self explanatory. 10/10.

Joel Embiid has the best social media out of any NBA player and it’s not very much of a competition. If you don’t follow the big fella on Twitter or Instagram, then you’re missing out.