Joel Embiid is again one of the 10 best players in the NBA, according to fans, a panel of media members and his fellow players.
The Sixers’ center was named an All-Star starter on Thursday for the third consecutive season.
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Starters were determined by the votes of fans (50 percent weight), media members (25 percent) and players (25 percent).
Embiid has averaged 23.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for the 29-17 Sixers. He’s been sidelined for the past eight games with a torn ligament in the ring finger of his left hand. If Embiid is unable to play in the All-Star Game, which will take place on Feb. 16 in Chicago, then Commissioner Adam Silver will select an injury replacement.
Though his scoring is down from last season, the Sixers have still been a much better team with Embiid on the floor than with him off it.
NBA
He’s second in the NBA in defensive win shares per game and fourth in defensive rebounding percentage (minimum 20 games played, 15 minutes per game). Lineups with Embiid have a 99.5 defensive rating, while lineups without him are at 106.9.
It’s been an eventful year so far for Embiid, who’s been suspended for a fight and subsequent social media barbs, called load management “BS,” publicly grappled with questions about how to balance maturity and dominance, and sustained a nauseating injury.
Though the Cameroonian big man has said he cares most about being healthy and at his best for the playoffs, he now has another personal accolade.
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