“Have you ever seen a normal, 30-year-old white guy shoot?” – Joel Embiid revealed the secret to his improved shooting as MVP nod looms

Joel Embiid: From YouTube "White People Shooting 3 Pointers" to NBA Scoring Champion

“Have you ever seen a normal, 30-year-old white guy shoot?” – Joel Embiid revealed the secret to his improved shooting as MVP nod looms

Joel Embiid (image via Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid is widely considered one of the best scorers in the modern era of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The center is on track to win his second consecutive scoring title this season, an impressive feat regardless of where he finishes in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting.

Embiid’s rise to stardom has been a remarkable journey, with one particular detail that stands out: he learned how to shoot by watching YouTube videos. In a piece he wrote for The Player’s Tribune, Embiid admitted to using the search term, “WHITE PEOPLE SHOOTING 3 POINTERS” to learn how to shoot properly. He was fascinated by the perfect form and technique of “normal, 30-year-old white guys” who always seemed to have a “wet” jump shot.

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“So I’m chilling one night, and I go on YouTube, and I think I’m about to figure this shooting thing out. I go to the search box like ‘HOW TO SHOOT 3 POINTERS,’ Nah. ‘HOW TO SHOOT GOOD FORM,’ Nah. Then the light bulb went off, man. I typed in the magic words: ‘WHITE PEOPLE SHOOTING 3 POINTERS.’ Listen, I know it’s a stereotype, but have you ever seen a normal, 30-year-old white guy shoot a three-pointer?

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That elbow is tucked, man. The knees are bent. The follow-through is perfect. Always. You know how in America, there’s always an older guy wearing like EVERLAST sweat-shorts at the court? That guy is always a problem. His J is always wet. I seriously got to the league by watching YouTube and living in the gym. There’s no other way to explain it.”

Despite his struggles with outside shooting, Embiid remains a well-rounded shooter and a positive addition to the 76ers’ perimeter game. While he makes only 32.8% of his three-point attempts, he still attempts three shots a game. For a historic big man, this is an impressive element to have in his game.

Related: “Give this man his damn MVP!” – NBA Twitter rallies behind Joel Embiid after his 52-point performance in Sixers’ authoritative win over Celtics

Joel Embiid and the 76ers’ Pursuit of Greatness

Joel embiid
Joel Embiid/Getty Images

This year’s 76ers squad is shaping up to be one of the best teams in the team’s modern era. Although they are currently ranked slightly below the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, with Joel Embiid as their leader, they are well-positioned to compete for a championship this season.

Embiid’s recent 52-point performance against the Boston Celtics further cemented his status as the front-runner for the MVP award this season. His dominance on the court is undeniable, and with a team built around his strengths, the 76ers have a real shot at reaching the NBA Finals.

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This year’s 76ers squad is arguably the best since their 2018-19 season, which was their last window of contention. The team has been able to build around Embiid, giving him a supporting cast that allows him to play to his strengths.

As the regular season winds down and the playoffs approach, Embiid and the 76ers are looking to break the glass ceiling and cement themselves as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. If they can make it to the NBA Finals and Embiid can secure the Finals MVP award, this season will go down as one of the most dominant in league history.

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