Embiid earns first All-Star selection as starter
Joel Embiid has looked healthy this season, a good sign for the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid has kept the spotlight off Markelle Fultz, the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, with his production on the floor. He put up 46 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and seven blocks against the Los Angeles Lakers in a 115-109 victory on the road back on Nov. 15. His 19 double-doubles this season overshadow the nine he had last season in just 31 appearances.
Embiid is currently averaging 24.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.9 blocks through 33 games in 2017-18. He’s put up 30 points in six games this season to go along with his 40-point game back in November.
34 PTS / 11 REB / 3 AST / 1 BLK#NBAVote @JoelEmbiid https://t.co/avUM9dEtPv
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 15, 2018
He was selected to his first All-Star game after receiving the third-most votes among fans, fourth-most among players and third-most among media members. While his popularity has carried him off of the floor, his play has also gotten him the respect of his peers on the floor.
The show is just beginning for Joel Embiid as we’re sure there’s more to come, but also lurking in the background is rookie Ben Simmons. The rookie has excelled with his ability to adjust to the growing list of expectations put before him.