Joel Embiid mural unveiled at “In Memory of Arthur” block party originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Joel Embiid couldn’t exactly blend in with the crowd.
As the 7-foot Sixers superstar moved through the party, a bevy of kids wearing his No. 21 jersey followed.
Embiid was the center of attention as usual Friday night at a significant event for himself and his family. He arranged the block party “In Memory of Arthur” for about 200 children from Philadelphia Youth Basketball, Foundation NAME, Boys and Girls Club, YES Phillyand Rhymes with Reason at The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center.
The Sixers and PYB also unveiled a mural of Embiid created by Tiff Urquhart.
“Growing up around a lot of struggle, that’s always been my goal, to have some kind of impact,” Embiid said, “especially with the youth, because that’s what I believe; the next generation will be important. That’s always been my belief and my goal, so I’m happy. It wasn’t (only) me. I’m grateful to the people who put this all together.”
Embiid’s “In Memory of Arthur” initiative supporting Philadelphia nonprofits is named after his late brotherwho died in a tragic accident at 13 years old.
“It’s still hard to think about the whole thing,” Embiid said. “He’s one of the reasons I’m doing this. He is someone who cared about everyone. … Coming back (to Cameroon) after his death, all the stories I heard … just someone who cared about anyone and who always gave back.”
With the three-year extension he inked last weekEmbiid is now under contract with the Sixers through the 2028-29 season. The seven-time All-Star has repeatedly said he wants to remain a Sixer for his entire career.
Embiid’s young son Arthur, born in Philadelphia, was on hand for Friday’s event.
“As everybody knows, family is the most important thing to me,” Embiid said. “Just getting a good example when he sees these types of things. He’s growing up not like me, not like we did, so I think it’s also good…even going back to Cameroon this summer. Him going around every year and seeing different parts of the world, I think that will make him a better person and just teach him. I think it’s great.”
Sixers teammates Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele also sat alongside Embiid.
“(Maxey) always likes to give me the credit, but I had nothing to do with where he came from,” Embiid said. “Hardest working guy I’ve ever been around. Just to see the success he’s had … like I always say, he’s next and he’s going to be the one that puts us where we’re supposed to be as far as winning.”
Embiid said with a smile that he was happy George was there after him “spent a lot of time recruiting” him to the Sixers. And he joked about Yabusele’s presence.
“I have somebody I can speak French with, which is good,” Embiid said, “even though the French hate me. It’s great.”
On a more serious note, Embiid hopes people in Philadelphia remember his work on and off the court long after he’s done playing.
A decade since the Sixers drafted him, that seems like a lock.
“A lot of people know my story and I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t put in the work,” Embiid said. “There’s no way, starting (basketball) at 16, I should be here.
“But as long as you put in the work and trust the process, it will pay off in the end.”
