The Philadelphia 76ers started their week by finding out that their application to build an arena in Philly was approved by Mayor Cherelle Parker. Later they signed Joel Embiid to a three-year 192.9-million-dollar contract extension. That will keep him in Philly until at least 2028 this cements the current era of Sixers basketball as the Embiid Era. Also, this ends an active offseason for the Sixers.
JUST IN: Joel Embiid says he is signing a contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers. The one-time NBA MVP will sign a three-year, $193 million maximum extension with the 76ers, with a player option in 2028-2029, sources tell @TheAthletic. pic.twitter.com/BzA0mUO8yc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 20, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers Ink Extension With Joel Embiid: What It Means Going Forward
Franchise Cornerstone
In 2014 when the Sixers drafted Joel Embiid many fans, media members, and experts did not think he would be anything more than a good role player on a deep team. However, 10 years later Embiid has blown through those expectations. He is now one of the top three players in the league, leading one of the best teams in the association.
Embiid’s development and continued adjustment to the NBA’s ever-changing style of play have continued to keep the Sixers afloat during the rockier times in recent franchise history. With the 2024-25 NBA regular season starting in October, the mission becomes clear for Embiid and the rest of his teammates to do everything they can in the next four-plus years to help Philly win a championship.
Future With The Sixers
The Sixers have assembled one of the best rosters in the league. This offseason they were able to acquire their third star by signing Paul George to a four-year contract, and extended Tyrese Maxey to a five-year deal, and now they extended Embiid. So, their three stars will play together in Philly until 2028 at least. As a result, they now have to build their chemistry and learn how to play together as a trio.
Embiid got a little taste of what this life will be like when he played with Team USA Men’s Basketball during the Olympics this summer. Additionally, he learned that it is incredibly challenging but rewarding to sacrifice individual achievements for team success. As the best player on the team, he will have to lead by example, and if he can bring those lessons, he learned this summer in Paris to Philly. Then this partnership between Embiid, Maxey, and George will be remarkably successful and could end with multiple championships in Philadelphia.
We are In The End Game Now
Most superstar players in the NBA would not stick around if the team they are on seemed directionless. However, Joel Embiid continued to stay loyal to the Sixers even when requesting a trade would have been justified. As a result, his loyalty was rewarded not only with a contract extension, but the Sixers assembled arguably the best roster of the Embiid era.
The rest of Joel Embiid’s time in Philly will be dedicated to helping the Sixers win their first championship since 1983. Also, with the balanced roster Philly has assembled Embiid will probably end up playing more of a facilitator/chameleon type of role this season.
His scoring may slightly decrease, and he might be more of a defensive anchor. This should unlock Tyrese Maxey and make the transition easier for Paul George. Instead of scoring Embiid may grab those 50/50 rebounds, make a pivotal block that allows for an easy fast-break opportunity for the Sixers. That should allow him to share the scoring load with George and Maxey and be fresher for the playoffs.
Joel Embiid either winning one or multiple championships with the Sixers, will cement him as one of the best players in the history of the association, and as one of the best players in franchise history.
