For the past seven seasons, the Philadelphia 76ers have repeatedly failed to progress past the second round of the playoffs, raising questions about whether Joel Embiid and the franchise are an ideal pairing. As the 2023 MVP has been burdened to carry the team without a reliable supporting cast through most of his tenure, it led many to believe that if things do not fall according to plan in the 2024-25 campaign, this could be the end of their partnership.
However, the Sixers buried such speculations by awarding JoJo with a three-year, $193 million extension on Friday night. While some question the decision to offer such a substantial contract to a player who has yet to deliver in the playoffs and is injury-prone, Stephen A. Smith strongly believes that the seven-time All-Star is worth 'every penny.'
Stephen A. Smith on Embiid's $193 million extension
The talented center's injury history has been one of the primary reasons why the 76ers have struggled to reach the promised land despite being one of the best-performing teams in the Eastern Conference in recent years. So, while critics may be disappointed to see the franchise hand more resources to the 7-foot center without him having to lead them to the championship round, it is important to consider his impressive stats.
In 422 games for the 76ers, Joel has averaged 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. He already ranks first in franchise history for points per game and seventh in points total (12,071), including eight 50-point performances.
Considering that SAS highlighted in an episode of First Take no one could argue against Embiid, who deserves such a lucrative contract when it comes to pure talent and skill set.
"Joel Embiid's issue is one thing and one thing only - and that is injuries. When this brother is on the floor, he is one of the most dominant, gifted big men the game of basketball has ever seen," Smith said . "He has a personality that matches his game. He deserves every penny. Nobody will look at his skill... and say, 'Why would the Sixers pay him that?' He is a bona fide superstar in this league whose only derailment is health. I watched this man average 35 (points) against the Knicks on one leg; on one leg, he is that gifted."
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It is time for JoJo to prove himself
Looking at Embiid's contract history, he initially signed his previous extension in August 2021, which was valued at $196 million for four years and set to begin from the 2023-24 season.
Now, with the seven-time All-Star signing a new contract, this deal will replace the final year of his current contract, making him earn $59.5 million. Moreover, factoring in the two additional years, the 7-foot center will now earn $300 million over the next five years.
To put this into context, Embiid is the only player alongside Jayson Tatum to be included in the $300 million club. Furthermore, coupled with the fact that he finally has an experienced and proven All-NBA talent like Paul George as the third star in his team, the pressure is high on Embiid to finally lead his team to the promised land without any excuses.
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