PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Joel Embiid just signed a contract extension that likely makes him a Sixer for life, and he’s wasted no time getting back out in the community and supporting the city’s youth.
“The next generation is gonna be important, so yeah, I mean, that’s always been my belief and my goal,” Joel said at a block party Friday in memory of his younger brother, Arthur, who was killed in a car accident in 2014 in Cameroon.
The party was at Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center in Nicetown, which features a court named after Arthur. The court that bears Arthur’s name is one of seven in the center run by Philadelphia Youth Basketball, and now one of its walls is also adorned with a mural honoring Joel’s impact on the city.
“Growing up, having been around a lot of struggle, that’s always been a goal of mine, to have some sort of impact, especially with the youth,” he said.
Joel was accompanied by his new teammates Paul George, Andre Drummond, Guerschon Yabusele and star point guard Tyrese Maxey.
“Our young people will be inspired by this forever and will be motivated by Joel’s calm and consistent presence in our building,” said Eric Worley, co-founder of Philadelphia Youth Basketball.
In addition to food and basketball, awards were given out to top students.