Embiid acknowledges that his active presence on social media benefits him as a businessmanNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
76ers C Joel Embiid is the NBA's "most highly coveted sneaker free agent," and his "magnetic personality ... is a significant factor in his massive international marketing potential," according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com. That is why the 76ers current trip to China -- a "marketing tour packaged around preseason games" against the Mavericks in Shanghai and Shenzhen -- is "so important for Embiid." A "significant presence" in China is a "requirement for any basketball player attempting to maximize his brand." Embiid engages in "playful trolling on social media" and draws a "much higher interaction rate" on his Twitter and Instagram posts than other NBAers who have signature shoe deals. He "insists that he uses social media primarily as a means of motivating himself," but "doesn't deny that a strong troll game benefits him as a businessman." Embiid: "It definitely helps the brand. People understand that that's my personality. That's me." MacMahon noted for Embiid, the foundation had been laid in China "before he stepped foot in the country." He is "affectionately known" in China as "'Dà dì,' which roughly translates to 'The Great Emperor.'" Chinese tea company Master Kong has already "put Embiid's face on 300 million bottles." Embiid said he hopes his next shoe deal makes China a "destination every summer." Embiid: "Just coming and being with the fans. That's what I like. That's my nature" (ESPN.com, 10/8).
