Great article from Mark Medina at NBA.com on what it took for Joel Embiid to transform his game and body to become as dominant as he is today. That dominance includes custom-made Shirley Temples when he’s not on the floor.

The first thing Doc Rivers asked Embiid when they talked after he was hired was if he had ever seen a fat MVP:

“Have you ever seen a fat MVP?” Rivers asked.

Embiid laughed. But both Rivers and Embiid realized the seriousness behind the question.

“No,” Embiid answered.

“You got to get in better shape,” Rivers advised.

Turns out that wasn’t entirely true because 365 days later we got Thickola Jokic:

But thank God Doc got to Embiid before that, or who knows if Joel would’ve even listened. Instead he’s crushed his diet since Doc called him fat, even mixing in healthier Shirley Temples on the bench:

Although he pledged seriousness toward changing his diet, Embiid found it appealing that the approach did not involve following rigid rules. Generally, (Dietician Louise) Burke has worked with Embiid on finding ways to increase his protein and vegetable intake while reducing his sugar and body fat. Yet, Embiid has reached those goals while still enjoying American foods and culinary delights from his native Cameroon.

During the offseason, Embiid ate foods that helped him build muscle mass while reducing his body fat. Once the season started, Embiid consumed protein-heavy foods and beverages to accomplish a few goals. That diet ensured that Embiid had enough fuel during workouts and games. He also strengthened his muscle and bone density.

To replace the sugary sports beverages that Embiid disliked, he currently drinks a custom-made Shirley Temple when he’s on the bench during games. What exactly is in the Shirley Temple? “I can’t tell you, or I’d have to kill you,” Burke quipped.

I love the Shirley Temple bit. I thought it was originally overblown that he would take down three pitchers of Shirley Temples a day or maybe he’d grow out of it. Instead this 29-year-old, seven foot grown man has the same drink order your six year old at Applebees does. Imagine all the fancy places Joel Embiid has had a Shirley Temple. He’s having the waitress mix Ginger Ale and Grenadine 59 stories up in the Four Seasons. He’s probably been at tables of $10,000 dinners and the itemized check reads steaks, cocktails, and “Shirley Temple $3.50“. He’s your 98 year old Nana who needs one Rolling Rock a night at dinner: