Joel Embiid is taking steps that no NBA player before him has. The 2023 league MVP spoke at the United National General Assembly meeting on 22 and 23 September in New York about how the business of sports can transform Africa financially. Embiid opened up on the same to Chris Haynes, calling it an eye-opening experience.
“I’ve never experienced UN week and it was very eye-opening. I met so many leaders from Africa trying to create opportunities. I think of my own experience, and all the Africans in professional sports around the world, and how we can get all that influence working together.”
Embiid is taking a more active role in empowering communities in Africa by providing new routes of opportunity. Not everyone can be 7-foot tall and be discovered as a generational basketball star at the age of 14 years like Embiid was, so he’s doing his best to give back to the community he comes from.
Embiid also went back to Cameroon this summer to accept a ‘Medal of Valor’ from the country’s government because of the role he played in helping Team USA win the Olympic Gold in basketball.
Much was made about Embiid representing the USA at the Olympics, but it’s clear his native country isn’t bothered by the same, felicitating Embiid for what he did for Team USA.
There are rumors that Embiid will represent Cameroon if possible at the 2028 Olympics, so the Cameroonian center will try his best to bring glory to his home country as well.
Joel Embiid Signed A New Contract With The Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid might become one of the rare modern-era players to play for one franchise their entire career after agreeing on a three-year, $193 million contract extension which keeps him with the team till the end of the 2029-30 season.
The center will be 30 years old by the time the contract expires, virtually guaranteeing his status as a one-team player unless he gets traded beforehand.
In a statement after signing the extension, Embiid made it clear that he wants to retire in Philadelphia but not before bringing the city a championship.
“Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career. I love this community and everything you’ve given me and my family. There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we’re just getting started.”
Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 39 games last season, suffering from knee injuries that ruined his campaign to defend his league MVP and compete for a third-successive scoring title. His winning impact was unarguable, as the 76ers went 31-8 in the games Embiid played.
If he can’t find a resolution for the constant injuries that keep sidetracking him, the 76ers might never realize their championship dream in the Embiid era. With the addition of Paul George this summer, the 76ers are motivated to bring home a title as soon last next season.
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