Joel Embiid mural unveiled at ‘In Reminiscence of Arthur' block get together

Joel Embiid mural unveiled at ‘In Memory of Arthur’ block party initially appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Joel Embiid couldn’t precisely mix in with the group.

Because the 7-foot Sixers celebrity moved by the get together, a flock of children carrying his No. 21 jersey adopted.

Embiid was the focal point as ordinary Friday night time at a significant occasion for himself and his household. He hosted the “In Reminiscence of Arthur” block get together for round 200 youngsters from Philadelphia Youth Basketball, NOMO Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, YEAH Philly, and Rhymes with Reason at The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Heart.

The Sixers and PYB additionally unveiled a mural of Embiid crafted by Tiff Urquhart.

“Rising up having been round a variety of battle, that’s all the time been a aim of mine, to have some type of affect,” Embiid stated, “particularly with the youth, as a result of that’s what I consider; the following era goes to be necessary. That’s all the time been my perception and my aim, so I’m blissful. It wasn’t (simply) me. I’m grateful for the folks that put all this collectively.”

Embiid’s “In Memory of Arthur” initiative to assist Philadelphia nonprofits is named after his late brother, who died in a tragic accident at 13 years outdated.

“It’s nonetheless robust fascinated with the entire thing,” Embiid stated. “He’s one of many causes I’m doing this. He’s somebody that cared about everyone. … Going again (to Cameroon) after his dying, all of the tales that I heard … simply somebody that cared about anyone and that was all the time giving again.”

With the three-year extension he inked last week, Embiid is now beneath contract with the Sixers by the 2028-29 season. The seven-time All-Star has repeatedly stated he desires to stay a Sixer his whole profession.

Embiid’s younger son Arthur, born in Philadelphia, was on hand for Friday’s event.

“As everyone is aware of, household is a very powerful for me,” Embiid stated. “Simply getting a great instance with him seeing this kind of factor. He’s rising up not the way in which that I did, not the way in which that we did, so I believe it’s additionally good … even going again to Cameroon this summer time. Him going round each single yr and seeing totally different components of the world, I believe that’s going to make him a greater individual and simply train him. I believe it’s nice.”

Sixers teammates Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele additionally sat alongside Embiid.

“(Maxey) all the time likes to offer me the credit score, however I had nothing to do with the place he’s gotten,” Embiid stated. “Hardest-working man I’ve ever been round. Simply to see the success that he’s had … like I all the time say, he’s up subsequent and he’s going to be the one which places us the place we’re alleged to be so far as profitable.”

Embiid stated with a smile that he was blissful George attended after he “spent a lot of time recruiting” him to the Sixers. And he cracked a joke about Yabusele’s presence.

“I’ve received somebody I can converse French with, which is sweet,” Embiid stated, “although the French people hate me. It’s nice.”

On a extra severe be aware, Embiid hopes that individuals in Philadelphia keep in mind his work on and off the courtroom lengthy after he’s achieved enjoying.

A decade for the reason that Sixers drafted him, that looks as if a lock.

“Lots of people know my story and I’d not be right here if I hadn’t put the work in,” Embiid stated. “There’s no means, beginning (basketball) at 16, that I’m alleged to be right here.

“However so long as you place the work in and belief the method, it’s going to finish up paying off.”