In a heartwarming tribute that resonates deeply with NBA fans, Joel Embiid has eternalized the memory of his younger brother, Arthur Embiid. Who tragically passed away in a car accident shortly after Joel’s debut in the NBA.
Joel was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft, and the young star was ready to shine at the Sixers’ season opener against the Indiana Pacers. However, one call from his home country, Cameroon, changed his life.
Upon hearing the news of his 13-year-old brother dying in a car accident while coming back from school, Joel packed up his bags and rushed back to attend the funeral. Additionally, he thought to pack his career and retire before even starting off.
The Sixers star revealed in The Players’ Tribune in 2020, and shed light on the emotional rollercoaster he went through. In his own words, “Right after I got drafted, back in 2014, I thought about walking away from the game. I’m not exaggerating at all.”
He continued, “I seriously considered retiring from the NBA before I’d even played one game.” This displayed the depth of the bond shared by the two brothers, and how despite going through a tragic experience like losing a younger brother, Joel is in front of the fans giving his best.
Joel Embiid: “My son is the reason why I’m sitting here.”
Embiid named his son Arthur, after his brother who died in a car accident in October of 2014. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lzdC481A2L
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Not only this, he also had his own special way to pay tribute to his late younger brother by naming his son, Arthur Embiid, after him. Joel became a father in September 2020 and while he must have missed the presence of his brother at a milestone like this, he tried his best to have him in his life by naming his son after him.
Joel Embiid’s relationship with his younger brother, Arthur Embiid
The NBA star credits his brother for being his number-one supporter and filling his life with immense positivity. Furthermore, he also disclosed how Joel was as excited as he was for the journey ahead.
Joel’s tribute by giving his son the same name as his younger brother speaks volumes of the bond the two shared. Furthermore, he also helped the non-profit organizations of Philadelphia through the foundation ‘In Memory of Arthur’.
Reflecting on naming his son after his younger brother, Joel candidly said, “Losing my brother and then giving his name to my son.”
It seems like Joel has made the journey from innocence to experience after the loss of his brother, symbolized in his journey from wanting to quit the NBA to wanting to create a legacy for his brother through his own success. It has surely been a journey that the fans would like to see go on.