Joel Embiid to donate $100,000 from All-Star week to three homeless shelters
Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid said he will donate $100,000 from All-Star week to three homeless shelters in Philadelphia, the team announced Saturday.
The winning team in the All-Star Game receives a $100,000 bonus, while the losing team gets $25,000. Embiid, who was drafted by Team Durant, must believe his team will win Sunday's game. But even if it loses, Embiid has still committed to donating $100,000.
.@JoelEmbiid announced today that he will donate his winnings from Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game to Philadelphia homeless shelters, including Project HOME, Sunday Breakfast Mission and Youth Service INC.
📰⤵️— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 6, 2021
Embiid said he wanted to help those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So many have fallen on such hard times during the pandemic,” Embiid said. “I felt it was important to provide more support for individuals and families struggling with homelessness and food insecurity. I’m continually grateful for all of the support that Philadelphia and the fans have given me not just around All-Star but all my years in the league. I will continue to help in any way I can.”
The 76ers revealed how Embiid's donation will be used to support the shelters. The money will help provide meals, clothing, and shelter for teens facing homelessness, among other things.
Joel Embiid playing like an MVP
On the court, Embiid has taken a step forward, and is playing like an MVP candidate. In 30 games, Embiid is averaging a career-high 30.2 points. He's also averaging 11.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
That performance has the 76ers sitting at 24-12. The team currently holds the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, though the 24-13 Brooklyn Nets are right behind them.
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