Sixers’ Joel Embiid an All-Star starter after all as NBA names injury replacements
CAMDEN, N.J. Turns out that Joel Embiids All-Star starter streak is not finished.
The NBA announced on Friday that Embiid is among the players who will slide into the starting lineup as a result of injuries.
With Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson sidelined for the Feb. 19 game in Salt Lake City, Utah, commissioner Adam Silver named Anthony Edwards, Pascal Siakam and DeAaron Fox as injury replacements. In addition to Embiid, Ja Morant and Lauri Markkanen were bumped up to starter status.
Initially, Embiid came behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Durant and Jayson Tatum in Eastern Conference frontcourt voting. Embiid, whos averaged 33.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists, said he was not surprised to be passed over.
I think its well-documented that Im not well-liked, and thats cool, Embiid said on Jan. 28. I dont know if its because I troll a lot or that Im, I guess, an asshole. But its cool. Ill keep being me, Ill keep being an asshole, and Ill keep trolling. If people dont like it, thats their problem. It all goes back to winning. When you look at how many times he was an All-Star, theyre not going to say, He was a starter this many times.
Having been a starter the last five years, it is kind of disrespectful. I dont think anybody has had a better year than me. But just focus on the right things and everything is going to go well for you.”
Speaking of disrespectful, Embiid is presumably among those who feel Harden deserved to replace Durant. After Harden missed out on an 11th consecutive All-Star selection, Y'all got some explaining to do @NBA
Perhaps Harden will be next up if another injury replacement is required. Jaylen Brown suffered a facial fracture in the Celtics win Wednesday over the Sixers and is out indefinitely.
