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Sixers star Joel Embiid’s trip to China has been ‘amazing’

The 76ers center has been receiving rock star treatment from fans since the team arrived on Wednesday.

Sixers center Joel Embiid knows he needs to improve his conditioning.
Sixers center Joel Embiid knows he needs to improve his conditioning. Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

SHANGHAI, China – Joel Embiid is living the life over here in the Far East.

The 76ers center has been receiving rock-star treatment from fans since the team arrived on Wednesday.

"Oh man, that's insane. That's crazy," Embiid said. "I think everybody knows that about me.You know I love it. I love interacting with fans. I love having a connection with them."

He described the Chinese fans as amazing. The all-star starter even plans to make traveling to China an annual trip "because it's been so amazing."

Embiid has been busy since arriving here in Shanghai.

He has an endorsement deal with Master Kong iced tea here, and the company had a fan event for him on Wednesday. Embiid was also one of the main attractions at Thursday's NBA China Games Fan Day function.

And he trailed only Dallas Mavericks future Hall of Famer Dirk  Nowitzki in a popularity contest during Friday morning's NBA China preseason game. Embiid finished with game-highs of 22 points and 10 rebounds to go with four assists, one steal and six turnovers in the Sixers' 120-114 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

The fans cheered Embiid from the time he walked on the court for his pregame workout to the time he exited the floor. He was right at home, even telling them to "Trust The Process" in a pregame address.

His biggest applause came after Embiid had an exchange with a fan seated courtside.

Moments earlier, a Dallas player attempted a shot during a break in the action. Embiid, who was underneath the basket, leaped up and swatted the ball away. Unfortunately, a fan ended up getting hit by the errant swat. After realizing what happened, Embiid walked over to the fan to apologize and ended up kissing the fan on the forehead.

"I've never been here and coming from Cameroon, which is Africa, it's been amazing," Embiid said. "It's a different culture for me."

He went through the same thing when, as a teenager, he moved to America to play high school basketball. But Embiid is enjoying this week just like he enjoyed the newness of coming to America.

"It's fun to learn about other people's culture," he said. "The fans and everybody around have been great to me."

The Sixers and Mavs flew to Shenzhen after Friday's game. They'll conclude the China trip with a game Monday at the Shenzhen University Center.