INDIANAPOLIS -- Luc Mbah a Moute flew halfway around the world to support a long-time friend and his family during a time of unimaginable grief. He left last Friday and returned Tuesday night.
"I have known his family since he was very young," Mbah a Moute said of Joel Embiid, who lost his 13-year-old brother, Arthur, in a tragic accident two weeks ago in Africa. "And then with the process of bringing him [Joel] to the States we developed a strong relationship.
"I knew his younger brother too. He came to my camp this summer and just hung out with me all day during the camp."
Mbah a Moute's father became friends with Embiid's dad long before the sons forged a relationship.
The Sixers rookie learned of his brother’s passing Oct. 16. The Sixers immediately arranged to fly Joel's younger sister, Muriel, to Philadelphia from Rochester where she attends college. The following day the only surviving Embiid siblings flew to Cameroon.
"They are doing better," Mbah a Moute said of the family. "I was at the house right before I went to the airport [Monday] to say goodbye. The family's spirit is better than when I first got there, obviously. They are trying to move through this hard experience.
"I think the fact that Joel was there with his sister helped his mother and dad a lot. I think it was great they got to be there and assist them throughout the whole process."
NBA
Mbah a Moute did not play in the Sixers' season-opening loss Wednesday night when they fell to the Pacers, 103-91. The six-year veteran is expected to play either Friday in Milwaukee or Saturday in the home opener against the Heat.
Embiid is still in Cameroon, but Mbah a Moute expects he will return to Philadelphia by the end of the week.
"I think he will take this week to stay with the family and make sure the healing process has started, but then he has to get back here," Mbah a Moute. "It is a harsh reality but he has to get back to work. Fortunately for him he is hurt, so he has more time to spend with them. I think the best thing for him be with them for a few more days and then come back [Philadelphia.]"
The No. 3 overall pick last June is recovering from foot surgery. It is likely Embiid stays sidelined the entire season given the five to eight months recovery time expected at the time of surgery in late June.