Originally the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Joel Embiid has only appeared in 35 career games due to injury. However, when healthy, Embiid has quickly established himself as one of the league's best big men.
After signing a five-year, $146.5 million contract extension prior to the 2017-18 NBA season, he is averaging 20.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in four appearances. With the Philadelphia 76ers making a long-term commitment to him, Embiid wants to play his entire career with them according to Molly Sullivan of NBC Sports Philly:
Embiid on spending entire career with one franchise: "I want to be Kobe Bryant. I want to be Tim Duncan. I want to be Dirk Nowitzki.”
— Molly Sullivan (@MollySullivanLV) October 28, 2017
In the NBA, it is an extremely rare feat for a player to play his entire career for one franchise. While Embiid and the Sixers have shown the same level of loyalty, it can quickly change as witnessed with Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder and Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics.
On one hand, the Thunder felt they were loyal to Durant, but he ultimately signed with the Golden State Warriors in free agency. On the other hand, the Celtics traded Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers despite what he had accomplished with the franchise.
If all goes well, the Sixers will have a franchise player for as long as Embiid plays. In a time when teams are embracing small ball, he is looking to change the game with the help of Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, and Dario Saric.
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