Sixers star Joel Embiid is widely expected to make the All-Star team this season, but the 26-year-old wouldn’t commit to playing in the game when asked about it on Thursday, Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes.
Embiid is currently enjoying a career-best season, averaging 29.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per contest. He’s made the All-Star Game in each of his last three campaigns.
“I am not sure if I am going to make it, but hopefully I get the chance to be part of it once again,” Embiid said. “I have always been conservative. I have always voiced my opinion since the pandemic started, starting with the bubble, wasn’t really all [for it] and then the season.”
Embiid isn’t the first player to seemingly voice concerns over the All-Star Game being held, with Kings star De’Aaron Fox recently opposing the decision and Lakers superstar LeBron James also speaking out against the idea on Thursday night. The game is currently set be held on March 7 in Atlanta.
Here are some other notes from the Atlantic Division:
- Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer examines how Seth Curry‘s recovery from COVID-19 has impacted his performance. Curry was acquired by the Sixers last offseason, most recently going scoreless in the team’s loss on Thursday (0-for-1 shooting in 12 minutes). He also didn’t record a point on Wednesday, shooting 0-for-3 in nearly 29 minutes.
- Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston explores the Celtics‘ 10 most valuable trade assets. Boston has several young players on its roster and a $28.5MM trade exception, making them a team worth watching ahead of the March 25 trade deadline. The club is currently 11-9.
- Blake Murphy of The Athletic examines topics related to Raptors guard Malachi Flynn, trade scenarios and Plan B’s in his latest mailbag. Toronto has opened the season with a 9-12 record, though the team is 6-4 in its last 10 games.
No Embid, No Fox, No LBJ support. Great start to a star studded weekend.
It’ll be just like the Pro Bowl. And everyone always tunes in for that…
Fox not making it anyway.
They only guys the C’s shouldn’t trade are Smart,Tatum,Brown,Payton Pritchard and Robert Williams and my opinion Walker but I see y people say him but the rest are bums or useless on this team
Embroidery probably won’t play because he’ll be hurt.
Thanks spellcheck
he shouldn’t anyway. he needs to stay healthy.
I feel bad for Seth. He’s always been in Steph’s shadow, yet he knows how to guard Steph better than he can guard anyone else
I like numerations but numbering trade values sounds pretty callous.
Danny you want the NBA Finals this yr.
Langford for McGee. Future #1 for Aldridge.
Celtics are deep and can matchup with anyone.
Danny I’m available call me. Championship