Embiid has shown his commitment to the city with his efforts on and off the basketball court. Among his generous acts, the NBA star pledged to donate half a million dollars to COVID-19 relief efforts in early April 2020, the Philly Voice reports. In 2021, the center also pledged to donate his All-Star Game winnings to Philadelphia-area homeless shelters. When the 76ers considered salary reduction measures at the start of the pandemic, Embiid vowed to help any team employees who would lose their jobs.

Although the team came up short in its pursuit of a championship this season, Embiid earned more respect from the city after he played through injuries.

“Whereas, Joel Embiid has been a dedicated team member of the Philadelphia 76ers for years, has gained numerous accolades, and led the team through numerous games and tough battles on the way to victory, and Whereas, Joel Embiid is deserving of the distinction of MVP, now, therefore, be it,” Thursday’s resolution stated. “Resolved by the council of the city of Philadelphia that it hereby celebrates Joel Embiid as MVP: ‘Most Valuable Philadelphian.'”

As for the NBA’s MVP award, Embiid finished second to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.

“I’m not mad,” the basketball star said after finishing as runner-up, CBS Sports reports. “The last two years in a row I’ve put myself in that position. It didn’t happen. It’s almost like at this point, it’s whatever. Whatever happens, happens. Last year I campaigned about it, this year I answered questions when I was asked, and the next, you know, few years before I retire it’s almost like I don’t know what else I have to do to win it.”