Younger brother of 76ers Embiid dies in Africa

PHILADELPHIA — Arthur Embiid, the younger brother of Philadelphia 76ers rookie center Joel Embiid, died on Thursday in Africa.

The cause of death wasn't immediately available.

Embiid has yet to practice or play in the NBA preseason after having surgery on his right foot in June, shortly before the team made him the third overall pick in the draft. He's expected to miss at least a large portion of the regular season.

Coach Brett Brown, general manager Sam Hinkie and forward Luc Mbah a Moute — like Embiid a native of Cameroon — skipped the team's exhibition game late Thursday against Boston to be with Embiid at his home in Philadelphia. Assistant coach Chad Iske coached the team in Brown's absence.

"We're all a family here," Iske said. "Obviously, everybody's thinking about Joel and his family at this time. Our hearts and prayers are with him."

Arthur Embiid's exact age is unknown, but Joel, who turned 20 in March, is the oldest of three children born to Thomas and Christine Embiid in Cameroon.