Daryl Morey blames Boston media as Joel Embiid gets snubbed for 2023 All-Star starter: “Shameless Boston media”
Joel Embiid is having another outstanding season for the Philadelphia 76ers. But it appears it isn't strong enough to find himself a starter for the NBA's All-Star game.
On Thursday night, the NBA announced the starters for the ASG. The Eastern Conference team features Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. While all players were deserving of the nod, some questioned how Embiid didn't find himself as a starter.
Embiid just missed the cut. He had ranked third when it came to East frontcourt players in the player and media rankings. But when it came to fan voting, Embiid ranked fouth, right behind Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.
Appearing on "97.5 The Fanatic," 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey didn't hold back about the results. Morey went on to blame the "shameless Boston media" for Embiid not being named a starter. Morey said that the Boston media is "way-over represented" when it comes to the All-Star selection process.
"Joel Embiid completely hosed once again," Morey said.
Daryl Morey blames ‘shameless Boston media’ for Joel Embiid’s All-Star starter snub: ahnfiredigital.com/nba/philadelph…
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid not named as starter for NBA All-Star teams
The NBA All-Star process has always had plenty of issues when it comes to the results. Notably, the fan voting has been problematic over the years.
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has been a force throughout the season. In his last 13 games, Embiid is averaging 34.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. During that same stretch, Embiid has shot 54.4% from the field, including 34.1% from 3-point range.
Embiid has been one of the league's top centers throughout his career, a dominant force who is one of the NBA's most dangerous players when he's in a groove.
Ngl .@JoelEmbiid not starting is nuts
What's even more remarkable about Embiid not being named a starter is that the 28-year-old big man is having the best season of his career. On the season, he's averaging 33.4 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 4.1 apg and 1.7 bpg. That's while shooting a career-best 53.2%.
There's no denying that Embiid will find himself on an All-Star roster. He's been one of the league's top players throughout the season. But the results of the 2023 starters just goes to show that the voting system needs an update moving forward.