In brief moments during the 2016-2017 NBA season, Joel Embiid flashed the tantalizing upside that helped to make him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft. However, there is still plenty of risk with the former Kansas big man, especially in the area of health where he missed two full seasons before being limited to less than half of his third campaign as a professional.
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The Sixers do not appear to be worried, though, as Philadelphia has reportedly invested a five-year, $148 million contract in their franchise cornerstone center.
Philadelphia center Joel Embiid has agreed to a five-year, $148 million designated rookie scale max extension, league sources told ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 9, 2017
In fact, the $148 million might be low if Embiid goes on to meet the criteria (as either MVP or making All-NBA teams) for the NBA's "super max" deals.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/917503558798495744
It should be noted that Wojnarowski's report does indicate something of a parachute for the Sixers in that an injury that "causes him to miss significant playing time" could give Philly some "salary cap projection." Make no mistake, though, in that this is a huge investment and something of a risk for a Sixers team that now absolutely needs Embiid to maintain health and high-end performance in the future.
Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons are excellent prospects but, in the end, Embiid's ability to stay on the floor could be what allows Philly to sink or swim.
