Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey blamed the “shameless Boston media” for Joel Embiid’s snub as an All-Star starter in the 2022-23 season.
Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, on @975TheFanatic:
"Joel Embiid completely hosed once again."
Morey went on to specifically point out "the shameless Boston media" being "way over-represented" in the All-Star starter selection process.
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) January 27, 2023
The starters from the Eastern Conference were announced on Thursday night. They are Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant, Nets guard Kyrie Irving, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.
Embiid was not selected over Tatum, Antetokounmpo or Durant for a frontcourt position.
While Morey may believe that the Boston media is the reason Embiid didn’t get the starting nod, the voting for All-Star starters isn’t solely a media vote. In fact, the media only accounts for 25 percent of the vote while the fans get 50 percent and the players make up the final 25 percent.
The NBA released how players fared in each section of the voting, and Embiid may have actually missed the game as a starter because of the fan vote.
In the league’s release, Embiid finished third in player voting among Eastern Conference frontcourt players, fourth in fan voting and third in media voting. The media had Embiid ahead of Kevin Durant in its portion of the vote.
It’s understandable to see that Morey is frustrated that his franchise star didn’t get the start, especially since the Sixers are playing so well this season.
Philly currently has the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 31-16 record. Embiid has been a huge part of that, especially since Tyrese Maxey and James Harden have missed time due to injuries.
A five-time All-Star, Embiid is averaging 33.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.7 blocks per game this season while shooting 53.2 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc.
While he didn’t get voted in as a starter, Embiid should easily make the team as a reserve, especially since he finished so high in the voting for the East’s starters. The Sixers could have multiple All-Star selections if Harden is picked as a reserve as well.
Morey’s comments may have stoked a bit of a fire in the Celtics-Sixers rivalry, which could be extremely interesting this season since both teams are at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
