Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey has some beautiful words for Joel Embiid after the superstar won the 2022-23 MVP trophy, though it's his photo choice with a Pokémon reference that is turning heads.

Following Embiid's official MVP announcement on Tuesday, Morey took to Twitter to share a message for the All-Star center. As he talked about the evolution of Embiid from a promising prospect to being the Most Valuable Player in the league, however, he used a photo of a Dratini turning into a Dragonite to illustrate the big change.

“I have always believed that greatness emerges when talent meets relentless dedication. Joel's season was legendary and the MVP award is the latest milestone of his decorated career. It has been a privilege to watch Joel over the last three seasons & I know this won’t be his last accomplishment as we continue to strive toward our ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship,” Morey wrote in his tweet.

Here's the photo Morey uploaded to accompany his message:

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
76ers' Guerschon Yabusele surrounded by money
Ascending Western Conference squad named Guerschon Yabusele suitorAbdullah Imran ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers sign breakout bench piece to 3-year contract extensionAbdullah Imran ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
VJ Edgecombe gets touching gesture from 76ers Daryl MoreyMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) reacts after his dunk against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Andre Drummond makes $5 million decision for 2025-26 seasonZachary Draves ·
2025 NBA Draft, 76ers, Spurs
Sixers, Spurs highlight biggest winners of 2025 NBA DraftAlex House ·

His choice of Pokémon aside–he could have chosen a Charmander and a Charizard so more people know what he's referring to–Daryl Morey certainly couldn't have said it any better.

Despite all the criticisms and questions Joel Embiid is receiving over his MVP win, there's no denying that he worked hard for the award and deserved to take it home. The fact that he's an overwhelming winner over Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo also speak volumes on his body of work in the past campaign.

It has definitely been great to watch Embiid become the superstar he is today after missing his first two seasons due to injury. Now, it will be interesting to see what's next for him.