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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Philadelphia and the Sixers are jumping with joy at the return of their champion, Joel Embiid! The big man had been sidelined since January 30, but tonight, he’s back in the starting lineup. To sweeten the whole deal, “The Process” also got a brilliant deal with a major footwear brand, Skechers.

According to Shams Charania, it was a deal in the making, and now the $9 billion brand has signed a multiyear contract with Joel Embiid. He’s going to be the face of their newly launched basketball division. Charania’s tweet reads, 76ers star Joel Embiid has signed a multiyear endorsement contract with Skechers to become the face of the company’s basketball division, sources tell me and @MikeVorkunov”.

“Embiid is back in action after two months and now officially has new shoe deal.That’s why, when Embiid tells you to trust the process, you trust the process. Clearly, it has worked out splendidly for the man.

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The rumblings of a deal were first heard back in October 2023. The contract of the 7x All-Star with Under Armour expired and no new deal was announced. It was in such a scenario that the reigning MVP had arrived once on the practice court with Skechers’ shoes.

According to Charania then, it was reported that Joel Embiid would start wearing them once he agreed upon a deal. But it took almost five months to be fruitful. And tonight, he took to the floor, after a 29-game absence, in brand new Skechers shoes, courtesy of his shiny new deal.

The contract details are yet to be divulged. But there’s no doubt that it will be a hefty sum! Other players the footwear company has signed are Julius Randle and Terance Mann. And they are constantly on the lookout to expand their clientele.

It looks like the 7-foot Cameroonian and his new shoes were all good signs for a terrific night.

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Philly takes the win from the West’s No. 1 in the return of Joel Embiid

For someone who’s missed 2 months of action because of a meniscus injury, to be the second-best scorer of the night is no small feat. Joel Embiid and Co. defeated the OKC Thunder 109-105 in a remarkable back-and-forth battle. The 280-pound center finished with 24 points, seven assists, and six rebounds while shooting 42.9% from the field and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line. His teammate wasn’t shy about hilariously admitting his fears post-game.

On the other hand, Embiid said that this recent injury affected him mentally a lot. The fact that he was an injury-addled player only served to further his worries. But the win tonight must have helped in lessening it. The 76ers are currently the eighth-seeded team with a 41-35 record, just one game behind Miami and two behind Indiana.

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If they continue playing like this, Philly might just be able to avoid the play-in altogether. But they only have six games to make it. And none of the teams ahead of them are going down without a fight. So, what do you think the picture looks like for the Sixers with Joel Embiid back on the floor? Let us know your thoughts.

Read More: “The League Is In Trouble”: Joel Embiid’s Latest Workout Video Sends Sixers Fans on High Alert, Ignites Finals Run Hope