Fansided

Why Joel Embiid should have made the 2017 NBA All-Star team

By Bryan Toporek

Jan 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) congratulates Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers won the game 93-92. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) congratulates Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers won the game 93-92. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joel Embiid is one of the most talented and productive rookies the NBA has ever seen. But that production wasn’t enough to get him onto the 2017 NBA All-Star team.

Joel Embiid’s long-awaited date with Rihanna has been postponed until 2018.

During Thursday’s Inside the NBA on TNT, Ernie, Kenny, Chuck and Shaq revealed the NBA All-Star Game reserves for both conferences. Notably absent was Embiid, who finished third among Eastern Conference frontcourt players in the fan vote.

Though Paul Millsap, Kevin Love and Paul George were each defensible selections, the All-Star Game will miss the joie de vivre of the self-proclaimed “Process.” On the bright side, Embiid didn’t miss the opportunity to keep it 100 after he learned of his snub:

The Philadelphia 76ers rookie big man will still make an appearance during All-Star Weekend, as he’s slated to suit up for the World team in the Rising Stars Challenge. That’s little consolation for those who hoped to see him in the main event, though.

What makes Embiid such a notable exclusion from the All-Star Game? Three main factors stand out.

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