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The extension could be worth as much as $178
million if Embiid meets certain criteria -- making all-NBA
teams, for instance, during the length of his rookie deal.
Embiid has played in only 31 games in three seasons since
Philadelphia made him the third pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. In
those games, all played last season, Embiid averaged 20.2 points
and 7.8 rebounds per game.
He last played on Jan. 27, subsequently undergoing surgery to
repair a torn left meniscus.
Philadelphia coach Brett Brown said, "(Embiid alters games with)
his physical presence; he does it with a defensive mindset, and
he does it with an offensive target that is different than
anything else that we have.
"When he has been able to practice with us, he has changed the
gym."
Teammate Jahlil Okafor told the Philadelphia Daily News, "He
deserves it. I'm really happy for him. It wasn't a surprise to
me. You've seen how great of a player he was, and he's an even
better person, so he deserves that. I'm just happy that it's
finally official."
Philadelphia forward Robert Covington told the Daily News, "With
him healthy, this team can be very special."
ESPN reported the 76ers would receive salary-cap protection if
Embiid sustains a significant injury.
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