Joel Embiid Unfazed By All-Star Snub Stating He Does Not Need Any Validation
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid addressed his exclusion from the 2026 NBA All-Star Game roster with a dismissive attitude toward external approval. Despite putting up numbers that mirror his MVP-caliber seasons, the veteran big man was left off both the starter and reserve lists for the second consecutive year. When asked about the omission, Embiid made it clear that his focus lies elsewhere, stating, “I don’t need any validation from anybody.”
The snub comes amidst a comeback season for Embiid, who has been managing a lingering knee issue that limited him to just 19 games in the previous year. This season, he has averaged 26.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field. However, these statistics were not enough to sway the NBA coaches who select the reserves. The decision to leave him off the roster has sparked debate, particularly as younger players like Detroit’s Jalen Duren and New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns received nods over him.
Critics and voters likely pointed to Embiid’s availability as the primary reason for his exclusion. The Sixers star has participated in roughly 60% of his team’s games this season, often sitting out for injury management. In an era where the league has emphasized player participation, coaches often penalize players with lower attendance records when voting for All-Star reserves, regardless of their per-game dominance. Furthermore, the NBA’s new participation rules have made availability a distinct factor in award eligibility, influencing the voting culture even for exhibitions like the All-Star Game.
Embiid, however, has framed this season differently, describing it as a “tryout year” to test his body’s durability rather than a chase for individual accolades. “To me, this year has already been successful because I feel like it was about figuring out… how the knee is going to respond every single day,” Embiid noted. His priority remains navigating the schedule to ensure he is healthy for the postseason, rather than pushing for mid-season honors.
While Embiid remains unbothered, his teammates voiced their displeasure. 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, who was named an All-Star starter, publicly defended his center, urging the franchise to post on social media that Embiid belonged in the game. Despite the support, Embiid appears content to rest his knee during the break, having long ago decided that championships, not popularity contests, would define his legacy.
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