Joel Embiid makes statement after All-Star snub: 'I guess I'm an a**hole' / News - Basketnews.com

Joel Embiid reacted to not starting the 2023 All-Star Game: 'Having been a starter for the last five years, it is kind of disrespectful. I don't think anybody else had a better year than me.'

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

Philadelphia big man Joel Embiid outmatched two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic on Sunday, dropping 47 points to go along with 18 rebounds to lead the 76ers to a 126-119 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Joel Embiid

MIN:34.86PTS:33.75 (64.86%)REB:10As:4.17ST:1.11BL:1.67TO:3.67GM:36ProfileNBA2022/2023

Embiid, who missed out on selection as an All-Star Game starter earlier this week, insisted the clash wasn't about a personal rivalry with Jokic, but about the 76ers testing themselves against one of the best NBA teams.

"It's not a rivalry, I love the big fella. Two-time MVP, one of the best players in the league and he's such a good player. I'm a big fan" Embiid said of Jokic post-game.

As for failing to start the 2023 All-Star Game, Embiid thought that it may have more to do with his personality than play on the court.

"I was not surprised," Embiid pointed out. "I think it's well documented that I'm not well-liked. That's cool. I don't know if it's because I troll a lot, or I guess I'm an a**hole, but it's cool. I'll keep being me, I'll keep being an a**hole, and I'll keep trolling."

"If people don't like it, that's their problem," he added.

Embiid was surpassed by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum in votes for the Eastern Conference starters, despite leading the NBA in scoring (33.4 PPG).

"Like I said, it all goes back to winning. When you look at how many times I was an All-Star, they aren't gonna see he was a starter this many times.

Having been a starter for the last five years, it is kind of disrespectful. I don't think anybody else had a better year than me. Like I said, you focus on the right things, and everything is going to go well for you."

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