Since Joel Embiid first stepped foot in Philadelphia, the city embraced him. He even took it as far as to label himself “The Process.” His struggles became ours and vice versa. The 7-foot center fell right in step with the culture and vibe of America’s birthplace. Throughout the highs and lows of The Process era, there was always one constant. When it came time to play, Embiid gave his all. It was something not seen since the days of Allen Iverson. Each year, Joel Embiid progressed and became more defined in his play. After last season’s MVP caliber season, there was no doubt Embiid was set for a huge payday.
In a bold move of representing himself, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia Sixers organization agreed to a supermax contract extension. The deal was closed on Tuesday morning and announced later that day. The four year, $196 million contract secures the partnership between the City of Philadelphia and its favorite son through the 2026-2027 NBA season. In total, Joel Embiid will make $261 million over the next few years. In the eyes of many Philly fans and sports critics alike, it’s a small price to pay to keep one of the best big men in the NBA.
According to ESPN, Embiid became eligible for a supermax extension this summer after finishing second in MVP voting and making the All-NBA second team with averages of 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds in 51 regular-season games in 2020-21. The contract is fully guaranteed and includes a player option for the final year with no injury clause like his previous 2017 deal. In other words, Philadelphia is all in on Joel Embiid and seems the feeling is mutual from him.
On and off the court, Joel Embiid has been the perfect role model. Last year, the superstar center purchased and donated food to various food banks in the Philadelphia area. If he wasn’t well known throughout the city you wouldn’t even recognize him. He Ubers everywhere in the city despite having a car. He attends Meek Mill concerts, is a regular at Philly cheesesteak spots, and can be seen living it up at Penn’s Landing in the summer. He’s as Philly as you can get. As the face of the franchise in a city where sports are injected into our veins at birth, you can’t go wrong with Joel Embiid. With that Philly grit, his play, backs up his vicious trash talk. In all the glory that is Embiid, even superman has a weakness.
Joel Embiid’s health has cast a black cloud over his career. In his first two NBA seasons, Joel Embiid struggled to finish 50% of the NBA season, citing back and foot issues. While injuries has plagued his career, he hasn’t stopped from producing impressive numbers. When on the court, Embiid is the clear best player, on both teams. but to ignore the injury-prone past would be foolish. It was an injury that kept him from winning the NBA MVP last season. In the end, the City of Philadelphia, Sixers organization, and fans are all in on the generational big man. Here’s to trusting the Process.
