Joel Embiid knew he was a big deal in at least two countries. But nothing prepared the Cameroon native and Sixers All-Star center for the love he received in China.
“Every day, it doesn’t matter if it’s six in the morning or 12 a.m., the fans were there and that was an amazing sight,” Embiid told reporters in China last week of the atmosphere during the team’s trip. “Then just walking around and everywhere everyone is just showing you so much love and asking for pictures and autographs. I think it’s amazing. I want to be in that type of environment and I enjoyed it and I appreciate it.”
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The Sixers knew coming into their pair of matchups against the Dallas Mavericks for the NBA China Games that fans were obsessed with basketball. After all, it’s the top team sport in the country and played by an estimated 300,000,000 (see gallery).
Still, the overwhelming support was something the team won’t soon forget.
“The Philadelphia 76ers would very much like to thank the fans in the city of Shenzhen,” head coach Brett Brown said. “We had a fantastic time in China. Shanghai and Shenzhen were incredibly hospitable and we very much appreciate your hospitality and support. Thank you very much.”
“I think every day just leaving and coming back to the hotel and seeing how many fans are there and really realizing how much you guys love the sport, the Sixers, I think it’s just amazing to see that every day,” Ben Simmons said.
While this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for some of the players, the Sixers’ leaders were already plotting an angle to make their way back.
“(Joel) was actually talking about it before, he said we should have an All-Star game out here,” Simmons said. “I agree with him. That would be amazing.”