Joel Embiid set to attend the United Nations General Assembly and highlight sports’ financial impact on Africa
Joel Embiid is among the most imposing big men in the NBA today. Aside from his dedication to his craft, he has also been a prominent figure representing and supporting Africa through philanthropic endeavors. On Tuesday, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on X that Embiid joined the United Nations General Assembly week in New York to highlight the impact of sports business on Africa.
Haynes added that the Sixers star also attended a Bloomberg-hosted intimate dinner alongside Raptors president Masai Ujiri and other African leaders looking to make a difference for their countries. Meanwhile, Embiid is scheduled to be a vocal figure at two events on Tuesday.
Embiid has also ensured utilizing his platform for the betterment of his hometown. The 2023 MVP founded the Foundation Arthur Embiid & Angels in 2018 in the memory of his younger brother Arthur who was killed in a car accident in Cameroon in 2014 at the age of 13.
Joel Embiid launched the "In Memory of Arthur" initiative in October 2022 to help the young generation living in a dangerous state. He also collaborated with SpringHill Company in 2023 to establish Miniature Geant, a production studio that aims to be a spotlight for African culture.
Joel Embiid talked about playing for Cameroon in the 2028 Olympics
Following Embiid's Paris 2024 Olympic run, he shared the rewarding experience he was a part of and envisioned playing for his Cameroon hometown in the 2028 Olympics. San Francisco Chronicle's Ron Kroichick shared his comments on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Aug. 9.
"It's been a good experience," Embiid said. "It's been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks. But the group of guys we have made it easy. Paris is a great city and the next one is LA. It might not be with Team USA, it might be with Cameroon."
It would be an important step for the basketball culture of Cameroon and Africa if Joel Embiid could represent them at the biggest international multi-sport event.
CBS Sports' Sam Quinn argued that Embiid might run into some hurdles along the way. With Embiid competing on the Olympic stage for USA Basketball, he would need to acquire a waiver from Team USA and FIBA Basketball to change teams for the next competition.
Embiid put up 11.2 points (56.8% shooting, including 54.5% from beyond the arc), 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in his first Olympic stint. He was a critical piece of the roster with his rim protection ability and shotmaking skills on the court.