Joel Embiid showed off some dazzling moves just 2 days after signing a jaw-dropping $147 million contract

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October 12, 2017 6:32 PM

Joel Embiid showed up big in his preseason debut with a Sixers team that is hoping to finally see the benefits of Trusting the Process

It's been a long few seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers.

With the mantra of "Trust the Process" ringing through the City of Brotherly Love, fans hunkered down for season after season of uncompetitive basketball hoping that the fruits of their suffering would eventually form of a championship-caliber core of players. One of the most important pieces of this ongoing puzzle is Joel Embiid — the seven-foot-tall

Welcome back, @JoelEmbiid. ... @ Philadelphia 76ers

In the second quarter, Embiid put on display a new, potentially devastating part of his arsenal, working the baseline before stepping back with a Dirk-esque kick to create space before nailing another short jumper.

Joel Embiid is half man, ha... @ Kevin O'Connor

On another play, he worked his defender to draw a fould before going high off the glass for another bucket — and showed a bit of outward confidence after the play that will be welcome when he gets back to Philadelphia.

Joel Embiid: "They can't F*... @ NBA Inside Stuff

Embiid also gave fans a preview of his deep range, hitting an after-the-whistle shot from the center-court logo. While the shot didn't count, knowing that Embiid has the potential to hit this Curry-approved trey makes him an even more nightmarish matchup for opposing defenses.

#emo# <a href="https://t.co/k6... @ Philadelphia 76ers

He showed off his passing ability as a big man, finding Ben Simmons for an easy bucket.

.@JoelEmbiid to @BenSimmons... @ Philadelphia 76ers

And in arguably the most exciting development of the night, Embiid showed off his ability to serve as a game-changing defensive presence for the Sixers, working from behind the play to absolutely stuff Allen Crabbe.

Joel Embiid is BACK. 11 PT... @ Did the Sixers Win?

While it was only 15 minutes in one preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets, Embiid's play on Wednesday will go a long way in assuring Sixers fans that he could continue to develop into one of the best players in the league. And with an up-and-coming core that includes some of the brightest young talents in the Eastern Conference, there's no reason that the Sixers couldn't make a playoff push this year if Embiid can stay healthy.

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