What a movie it would be, indeed.
Early Tuesday morning, Joel Embiid signed a multi-year contract extension with the 76ers, marking a long-term commitment to his city.
It’s a commitment he hopes will endure long beyond the confines of the contract.
Coming off an MVP-caliber season, the 27-year-old four-time All-Star reflected on his journey - one that started just over a decade ago.
“I wasn’t even supposed to play basketball,” Embiid recalls. “Starting to play basketball at 16 - it was tough learning. But I’ve always been willing to want to be better, and improve at everything, in everything that I do.
Drafted third overall in 2014, Embiid was sidelined for his first two NBA seasons due to injury.
That work has paid off. Embiid’s star has risen quickly, and consistently.
After the 2016-17, Embiid was named to the All-Rookie First Team.
He’s been an All-Star every season since.
Embiid’s extension comes following his best season in the NBA - averaging 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game in the 2020-21 campaign.
Embiid led the league in free throw attempts (10.7) and free throws made (9.2) per game. His 28.5 points per game was the fourth-best scoring average in the league, and his 10.6 rebounds were twelfth-best.
He finished second in the MVP race.
Embiid is also keenly aware of what his extended presence means for his city, and his fans:
“The fans - they already know how I feel about them. I love them. We have a great relationship. There’s not much I can say because they’ve supported me through ups and downs.”
Since 2014, Philadelphia has been home for Embiid. Now, he sees the city playing an irreplaceable role in many years ahead.