From the 2023 season, Joel Embiid’s name is expected to be echoed all over the NBA universe followed by him winning his first MVP. However, behind the glittering awards and honors, there is a dark chapter in his life that still haunts the professional basketball player and potentially stops him from reveling in the complete glory of his success.
So, let’s have a look at the tragic story of the NBA star which is concerned with the loss of his dear brother.
Joel Embiid’s brother Arthur died in 2014
2014 was a year of both immense joy and sadness at the same time for this Cameroonian player. He got drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft as the round one, third overall pick. So, indeed it was a year for the cherished dream to come true.
While on the other hand, this year is one of the most painful times in Joel’s Embiid’s life. On October 16, 2014, his phone rang with an ominous vibe. And when the Center picked up, he got a bolt from the blue.
The 76ers star heard that his younger brother, Arthur Embiid has died due to a car accident. Joel immediately flew to his country to attend his brother’s funeral.
2023 NBA MVP named his son Arthur honoring his late brother
Arthur was Joel’s best friend, his inspiration, and his motivation. Losing him seemed like losing the entire world and the MVP decided to leave his career and everything behind followed by his death.
Embiid considered retiring after his brother’s death and missing his first two NBA seasons due to a broken foot
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 2, 2023
He said he “wanted to quit basketball” after having his second surgery
Now, he just won his first MVP 🙏
(via ESPN Radio) pic.twitter.com/8YiXSySBvj
However, to honor his little brother’s wish, he again returned to the sport and eventually became a star of the league. Joel’s love for his brother hasn’t diminished at all. When he welcomed his first son with his girlfriend Anne de Paula, he named him Arthur to honor his late sibling.
‘2023 MVP’ seems to be just the beginning and the basketball player is likely looking forward to making more progress in the upcoming years. The loss of a brother is almost always a traumatic event for people to go through, but Joel seems to have turned his sorrows into strength.
Did you know about Embiid’s dark chapter? Share your opinion below!
