Joel Embiid Left Off All-Star Roster, But His Focus Is Bigger Than Midseason Honors
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - The Philadelphia 76ers will be represented at this year’s All-Star Game in Los Angeles, with Tyrese Maxey earning a well-deserved starting nod. But there was hope inside the Sixers’ locker room that Maxey wouldn’t be making the trip alone.
Joel Embiid, the reigning league MVP and a seven-time All-Star, has been putting together a strong campaign despite dealing with lingering injuries. He’s averaging 26.1 points and 7.4 rebounds while ramping up his production over the last 20 games-nearly 30 points a night on over 51% shooting.
That’s not just solid-it’s dominant. And when you factor in the physical toll he’s endured over the years, this stretch has been a reminder of just how elite Embiid can be when his body cooperates.
But when the All-Star reserves were announced, Embiid’s name wasn’t on the list. He’s still eligible to be added as an injury replacement-Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently dealing with his own health issues-but the omission raised eyebrows, especially inside the Sixers’ camp.
“Actually, kinda. I kinda was surprised, you know?”
Maxey said when asked about Embiid not making the cut. “But it’s life, and I understand it.
You know what I mean? He’s gonna keep being Joel.”
And that’s exactly what Embiid seems intent on doing. He didn’t express any frustration or disappointment-just clarity.
“No,” Embiid said when asked if he was surprised. “We talked about it last game in Philly.
I don't need any validation from anybody. I'm happy where I’m at.
I'm excited to be playing every night. If that didn't happen, who cares?
I get a week of rest anyways. I got an ankle thing going on that I got to rest anyway.
So, I'm happy.”
That ankle issue has been lingering, and in a way, the All-Star snub might be a blessing in disguise. Rather than flying back to L.A. for the festivities, Embiid is planning something he hasn’t been able to do in years: take a real break.
“I think it's the first time I can go on a sort of vacation with my family during All-Star break, because the last few years I've been hurt,” he said. “So, yeah, that'll be fun to kind of take a step back.
But for me, I've already accomplished everything. There's only one thing missing for me.
As a basketball player, there's only one thing missing (a championship), and that's all I care about.”
That’s the mindset of a player with bigger goals in sight. For Embiid, All-Star appearances are nice-but they’re not the endgame.
He’s been there, done that. Now, it’s about chasing the one thing that’s eluded him: a title.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the numbers and the impact he’s had since returning to form. His teammates see it.
His coach sees it. And for many around the league, his absence from the All-Star roster doesn’t quite add up.
“Obviously, he’s been super dominant, right?” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said.
“One of the most dominant big guys in the league. What has he played?
17 of the last 21 or something like that. I was surprised.
I thought just the general buzz or feel I was getting is that he would make it, so I am surprised.”
The Sixers, meanwhile, are pushing forward. With Maxey thriving and Embiid rounding into form, Philly remains a team to watch in the East. And if Embiid continues playing at this level, the All-Star snub might just become another footnote in a season that could still end with the only recognition he truly wants: a championship ring.