Joel Embiid, center of the Philadelphia 76ers, signs a five-year deal with Under Armor

The "big man" status of Embiid has not seemed to slow down the substantial offers of several brands that have earned it the most coveted free agent of this year's sneakers.

"There's a stereotype about big men who can not sell shoes, when I look at myself, I'm not a big man, I'm a guard," said Embiid with a smile. "I can do anything on the basketball court – you can name it – pass, post, shoot the ball, bring back the ball, be the playmaker – so I'm looking forward to breaking that stereotype." I can not wait to do so much more with Under Armor ".

Embiid submitted its signed bid form on September 28th at the end of the 76ers' annual press day. On media day, he was first seen wearing the new Under Armor HOVR Havoc basketball he was wearing throughout the pre-season.

Its previous brand, Adidas, had a maximum of 10 business days to exercise its standard "matchmaking" rights on the Under Armor offer, but the company acted quickly and informed Embiid and its representatives of the CAA the next morning of his refusal. match.

The 24-year-old was also heavily used by Puma and New Balance over the past month, but he immediately chose Under Armor as his favorite destination early in the process. After averaging 23 points and nine rebounds per game during his second season for a rising team of 76ers who finished third in the Eastern Conference, Embiid has imposed himself as the agent. free from the most wanted fall in basketball.

In addition to this historic financial offering, the Baltimore-based brand impressed Embiid with its dedicated custom shoe construction resources, additional charitable commitments for the Philadelphia region and its home country of Cameroon, as well as the opportunity to receive his own shoes capsules and branded clothing.

Embiid joins an Under Armor roster including Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, and US Nationals competitor Bryce Harper.