Being part of the All-Star festivities for the first time and taking part in three events was Joel Embiid's way of celebrating how far he's come in his career already.The Philadelphia 76ers star was unable to take to the court in his first two years in the league as he dealt with a broken foot.He admitted that he almost quit basketball to return to his home country of Cameroon as the injury nightmare was taking its toll on him mentally.But thankfully, Embiid stuck with it and put in the work to get himself healthy again and show that he can compete at the highest level.He's doing exactly that this season as he's averaging 23.7 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.The 23-year-old has put the 76ers firmly in contention for a playoff place at the end of the campaign and he was rewarded for his fine form with a first All-Star appearance on Sunday night in Los Angeles.Despite being on the losing side, Embiid was one of the standout players on Team Stephen and produced some brilliant plays on both ends of the floor - which included two stunning blocks on Russell Westbrook and Paul George.

He ended the night with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting, along with eight rebounds and two blocks in just 20 minutes of action.

The big man was keen to measure himself against the NBA's elite and he believes he proved he's among the top players in the league.

“During the whole season I kind of thought that I was a top five, top 10 player in the league,” Embiid said, per Ryan Nagelhout of UPROXX.

“And coming in here in the game I wanted confirmation of it and I felt like I can hang with them. But I had a lot of fun.”

Embiid isn't alone in thinking this too as Kevin Durant showered praise on the Sixers man during the All-Star weekend.

According to KD, the man nicknamed 'The Process' will soon dominate the league.

“He’s skilled for his size. He can shoot the three. He can dribble. He developed his skills over time and he wants it,” Durant said. “He’s a great player. He’s definitely a guy that you respect. He’s going to take over this league here once I’m done.”

If he remains healthy, the seven-footer will be a perennial All-Star and will establish himself as one of the best players.

But the top talents prove this in the playoffs and that will be the next step for Embiid as he aims to guide the Sixers there with a strong finish to the year.