PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Sixers center Joel Embiid is having a MVP-caliber season with some of the best numbers in his career.
There are likely a lot of reasons for Embiid's success, but during an on-court interview Wednesday, after the Sixers' 118-111 win over Charlotte, he suggested there was something — specifically, someone — driving him.
"It's been an amazing experience and just watching him grow every single day makes me better. That's also part of me being better this year," Embiid told NBC Sports Philadelphia's Marc Zumoff, referring to his infant son.
Embiid announced the birth of his son, Arthur Elijah De Paula Embiid, in September, the firstborn of he and his partner, Anne De Paula.
"It's been great," Embiid said of fatherhood. "I'm kinda bummed about not being home every single day. I miss them a lot when I'm on the road, but it's been great."
Arthur is named after Embiid's late younger brother, who died in 2014 after being hit by a truck back in his native Cameroon.
Although Embiid likes to keep his life private, he explained the motivation his son gives him.
"I want him to grow up and see his father be at the top of his game, the best in the game. I want him to see that his father was a Hall of Famer and win titles because I want him to be better than me."
Embiid added how he aspired to be better than his father, Thomas — a colonel in the Cameroon army and a top-notch handball player.
"I got to set the bar really high, so I hope (my son) able to be better me," Embiid said.
