Embiid named an All-Star reserve, while Harden's All-Star streak is over originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Joel Embiid couldn’t help but smile when asked Wednesday night about the expectation that he’d be named an All-Star reserve.
“I don’t know if I’m going to an All-Star,” Embiid said with a big grin.
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No shocking snub happened for Embiid. After missing out on a sixth straight All-Star starter selection, Embiid was indeed announced Thursday among the NBA’s 14 All-Star reserves. Embiid has won back-to-back Eastern Conference Player of the Month awards and his 33.5 points per game lead the NBA.
“You never know,” Embiid said. “Like I said the other day, I’m used to the disrespect, so I would not be surprised if I don’t make it. So we shall see. If I don’t make it, it’s whatever. If I do, it’s a blessing — every single year, starters or not. I’m competitive, so obviously you want to be the best and I felt like I put myself in the position to be up there and the best.
“Disappointing, but that’s not what matters. Like I keep saying, when we’re right I feel like we have an opportunity to accomplish something big, so that’s where my focus is.”
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Teammate James Harden's All-Star fate was less certain than Embiid's heading into Thursday night. The NBA's head coaches did not choose Harden as an All-Star, ending his streak of 10 straight selections. Harden's All-Star case was evidently hurt by him sitting out 14 games with a right foot tendon strain.
Embiid obviously feels Harden was deserving and tweeted that the NBA has "some explaining to do."