Luc Mbah a Moute may not be as widely known as Joel Embiid, but without him, the Kansas alum’s journey to NBA superstardom might never have happened. A former NBA player himself, Mbah a Moute is celebrated not only for his career on the court but also for his crucial role in discovering and mentoring Embiid, who has become one of the most dominant players in the NBA.

Born in Embiid’s hometown of Yaoundé, Cameroon, Luc grew up where basketball did not have much importance. However, the 38-year-old seems to have realized the opportunities the sport offered. As such, he became just one of few Cameroonian players to make it to the NBA.

He eventually spent over a decade in the league with teams like the Bucks, Rockets, and Clippers. Beyond his athletic achievements, the UCLA alum became known as an ambassador for African basketball. His commitment to fostering young talent has significantly shaped the lives of numerous aspiring players, including Joel Embiid.

Luc Mbah a Moute’s role in the life of Joel Embiid

Embiid’s journey to the NBA began when Mbah a Moute noticed him during a basketball camp in Cameroon. At the time, he was just a lanky teenager with limited experience in the sport. However, the former second-round pick immediately saw potential in him. Embiid’s height, raw athleticism, and surprising level of agility for someone so new to basketball truly mesmerized Luc. Recognizing this, he encouraged Embiid to pursue the sport seriously and helped him move to the United States to refine his skills.

Of course, there were challenges a young African teenager away from the only place he knew as home faced. But Mbah a Moute was there to always extend a helping hand. He was a guide and a role model, helping the young player navigate life in a foreign country, far from his family. Finally, he was drafted third overall by the 76ers in 2014. Despite a series of injuries early in his career, Embiid quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier talents.

The rest is history! His skill and dominating performances earned him a massive following and, ultimately, a staggering $215 million contract extension with the Sixers. Today, Embiid is regarded as one of the top centers in the league, frequently mentioned among the greatest to ever play the game.

A breakdown of ‘The Process’s career earnings

Starting with rookie salaries around $4.4 million, Embiid saw a massive jump with his 2017 contract extension, which boosted his annual earnings and included salary protections due to his injury history. By 2023-24, Embiid was making well over $47 million, establishing him as the league’s second-highest-paid player and top-paid center, per HoopsHype.

Looking ahead, Embiid’s earnings continue to climb. He’s expected to reach $69+ million by 2028-29, keeping him among the league’s highest-paid players and solidifying his status as Philly’s top-paid center.

Circling back to the 6’8″ ex-forward, his legacy extends far beyond Embiid. Mbah a Moute has continued to organize basketball camps in Africa, aiming to discover the next generation of talent. Through these camps, he has helped numerous young African players secure scholarships to American schools and even make it to the NBA. His efforts have inspired countless young athletes across Africa, demonstrating that with the right opportunities and guidance, they too can reach the highest levels of the sport.

In essence, Luc Mbah a Moute is more than just a former NBA player—he’s a bridge between African talent and the global basketball stage, and his mentorship of Joel Embiid is just one shining example of the impact he has made on African basketball.