Joel Embiid Fans Question Phoenix Suns Center's Insta Bio

Khaman Maluach's Instagram bio, displaying "THE PROCESS....," sparked curiosity among Philadelphia 76ers fans shortly after the rookie joined the NBA. The phrase famously references Joel Embiid's nickname, originating from the "Trust the Process" slogan during the Sixers' rebuilding era.

Social media reactions immediately drew parallels, with fans labeling Maluach "baby Embiid" and suggesting he could be the next Embiid. Both centers began their basketball careers outside the U.S., with Maluach developing at NBA Academy Africa before committing to Duke University.

During his lone collegiate season, Maluach averaged 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block per game over 39 appearances. Projected as a consensus top-10 draft pick, he was linked to the Sixers as a potential Embiid successor but ultimately fell to the 10th pick, where the Phoenix Suns selected him after trading up with the Houston Rockets. The Sixers instead chose VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome.

Embiid's legacy—including seven All-Star selections, an MVP award, and league-leading scoring—makes Maluach's perceived inspiration understandable. Though stylistically different, Maluach enters the league with significant expectations as one of the 2025 draft's most prominent big men.