Reigning MVP Joel Embiid was named an Eastern Conference starter ahead of Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game. Unfortunately, an injury will keep Embiid from participating, leaving the door open for another crafty center to start in his place.
Alas, the injury bug, which has hampered Embiid in hisNBAcareer, took another bite out of the big man in early February. A left meniscus injury required surgery, leaving the Sixers star on the shelf for at least the next month.
This injury came mere days after the NBA announced Embiid as a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Although the league hoped he could return in time, the timeline didn’t add up, forcing a switch to the starting lineup.
Who will replace Joel Embiid at the NBA All-Star Game?
Commissioner Adam Silver tabbedMiami Heat center Bam Adebayo as the replacement for Embiid. The seven-year veteran couldn’t contain his excitement whileconfirming the news to reporterson Saturday.
Adebayo is averaging a double-double this year, with over 20 points and 10 rebounds per contest. Fans and his peers consider him one of the best and most versatile defenders in the league, logging a steal and a block each game as evidence.
Although Adebayo is far from the scoring threat that Embiid presents to opponents, the East squad shouldn’t miss a beat on the defensive end. Upon hearing the news of his addition to the starting lineup, Bam vowed to bring intensity on every possession.
Adebayo joins an Eastern Conference starting lineup of Damian Lillard (Bucks), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) as they aim for victory against a LeBron James-led West team.
Hunter Haas was a Senior Sports Writer at Dexerto. Over the last two years he has worked as a writer and editor for FanSided at NFLMocks. He also served as an editor at The Raider Ramble and The Blue Stable. Hunter is an expert in all things MMA, WWE, and NFL.
You can email him here: hunter.haas@dexerto.com
